The Adirondack Thunder have announced that they’ve brought back forward Alex Young and defenseman Brendan Less for the 2024-25 season. Young joined the Thunder late in the season and made an impact right away, putting up two goals and four assists for six points in seven regular season games, including a goal and an assist in his ECHL debut vs Allen Americans. The 23-year-old forward would make the Thunder’s Kelly Cup Playoff Roster playing in nine Kelly Cup Playoff games but failing to find the scoresheet. Young played 137 games at the NCAA level with Colgate University and Arizona State University, putting up 43 goals and 49 assists for 92 points. There’s no question that Young is going to play a big part for the Thunder as Head Coach Pete MacArthur mentioned that Young will see time not only on the top six but will also be a part of the power-play next season. The former seventh-round pick of the San Jose Sharks should be poised for a big season for Adirondack next season, which could see him lighting the lamp at least 15-20 times next season.
“Alex Young joined us towards the end of last year and for our playoff run,” said Head Coach Pete MacArthur. “He was a high-end scorer during his time at Colgate University and we see the potential for a similar rate of production here in Adirondack with the skill set he possesses, specifically his shot.”- Head Coach Pete MacArthur on the re-signing of Alex Young
Brendan Less rejoins the Thunder for his second season with the team after putting up two goals and 11 assists for 13 points in 44 games during the regular season and would play in 16 games during the Kelly Cup Playoffs but, like Young, wouldn’t find the scoresheet. Prior to joining Adirondack, Less spent time with the Iowa Heartlanders and Worcester Railers, playing in 28 games and putting up five assists. The 26-year-old defenseman isn’t going to be the flashiest player on the ice but plays a solid all-around game for the Thunder and will be an important piece to their blueline if he can stay healthy.
“Brenden Less is one of the more underrated defenders in the league,” said MacArthur. “He has a very high hockey IQ and a great stick, which allows him to constantly break up plays and get us back on offense.”
-Head Coach Pete MacArthur on the re-signing of
Young and Less are the fourth and fifth players returning from last year’s team. The team now has three blueliners signed for next year, not counting Ryan Wheeler, who is expected to start the season as a forward.
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