The Adirondack Thunder have added some big bodies to the roster, as in the past two weeks, they’ve signed forwards Nick Hutchison and Alex Carrier for the upcoming season. During the 2020-21 campaign, Nick skated in one game for Adirondack following a four-year collegiate tenure with the Canisius Golden Griffins. “It’s great to have Nick back,” said Alex Loh, Head Coach of the Thunder. “He’s not a guy who comes along very often in our league, you don’t see a lot of centers that are right shots become available.”
Re-signing for his fourth season in Adirondack, Carrier said of the chance to return, “Glens Falls is home. Me and my wife are living here, I finally got my green card and I’m finally able to live here legally.” He also mentioned his love for the small community in the surrounding area.
Thunder Announce Another Huge Signing
With the Adirondack Thunder opting out of the previous season, Hutchison was among a handful of players to sign an ECHL contract an alternative member team. Landing with the Indy Fuel, the righty played in 47 games, amassing 19 points on six goals and 13 assists. As he continues to strengthen parts of his game, Hutchison should be an everyday player, and the fact that that he couldn’t nail down a spot as a mainstay led to his lack of points last season.
However, I think having that year of experience under his belt will be extremely helpful to a franchise that’s already of wealthy of familiar players. Back in 2019-20, the Hicksville, NY native played one game with the Thunder and caught many eyes with his play, as he tallied a goal and an assist in his first career ECHL contest.
Hutchison brings physicality that Adirondack needs and will be add another goal scorer who can play a solid two-way game. So far, when looking at the Thunder roster, I expect Hutchison to be a guy who will find his way to the second line, as well as playing a big part on the power play come October. Adirondack also needs help up the middle, so he helps fill that need heading into next season. I would expect Hutchison to put up 15-20 goals in 2021-22.
Carrier, unlike Hutchison, didn’t play during the height of the pandemic, but brings eight years of ECHL experience. He plays a similar style of game as his six-foot-three counterpart, but has a lot more experience and is a leader in the locker room. However, don’t expect him to light up the lamp offensively, as he hasn’t scored more than five goals in a single season to date. With the Thunder losing a lot of key names this offseason, which includes their team captain, James Henry, I expect Carrier to be a third line guy for Adirondack, who isn’t afraid to throw his body around. This is a signing that won’t be overlooked and many fans will be happy to welcome him back.