Bryce Pickford Signs with the Thunderbirds
KENT, January 13, 2021 — The Seattle Thunderbirds have announced defenseman Bryce Pickford has signed a WHL Standard Player Agreement with the team. Pickford was selected by the T-Birds in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft in round two, 38th overall.
So far during the 2021-22 season Pickford has played in 17 games with the Wainwright Polar Kings U18 AA and has 19 goals and nine assists for 28 points.
“Bryce is an elite level skating defenseman with a very refined skill set that translates to the next level,” said Director of Player Development, Steven Goertzen. “He has great training resources in Wainwright and comes from a family with incredible work ethic. We are excited to support him in his developmental journey and see him continue to progress into what we feel will be a very strong player in the Western Hockey League.”
“He’s a talented defenseman who I was fortunate to see play in person this year,” said General Manager, Bil La Forge. “His game fits our style perfectly, he plays with speed, skill, smarts, and a competitive nature. I look forward to seeing him in a Thunderbirds jersey.”
By signing a WHL Standard Player Agreement, Pickford is guaranteed a WHL Scholarship for every year he plays in the WHL. A player is able to attend any career enhancing institution of his choice, including universities, colleges, technical institutes, trade schools, or any other institution which will help the player achieve his academic and career goals.
For each season played in the WHL, a player receives a one-year post-secondary scholarship, which includes: Tuition, Compulsory Fees and Required Textbooks.
The WHL provides the top young hockey talent in western Canada and the United States with the opportunity to develop their skills on the ice at the highest possible level, without compromising their academic goals.
