The Adirondack Thunder have announced that they have signed Shaw Boomhower and re-signed Ryan Smith to contracts for the 2024-25 season. Prior to joining the Thunder, the 25-year-old forward had played in 95 ECHL games with the Cincinnati Cyclones, Kalamazoo Wings, and Wheeling Nailers, where he’s put up 12 goals, and 16 assists for 28 points along with 332 career penalty minutes. Boomhower has dealt with injuries over the past few seasons, which limited him to only 14 games in the past two seasons. The 5’10 forward isn’t going to be afraid to throw his body or drop the gloves but will also be a guy who will contribute more than just physicality to the Thunder. The addition of Boomhower gives Adirondack a physical presence on the backend with Darian Skeoch and upfront with Boomhower.
“Shaw Boomhower plays a style that not many players are willing or able to play anymore,” MacArthur added about Boomhower. “He is back to full health and our fans at Cool Insuring Arena will love the way he plays the game, as will his teammates.”
Adirondack Thunder Head Coach Pete MacArthur on the addition of Shaw Boomhower
Ryan Smith returns to the Thunder for his fourth season and was the team’s co-MVP along with Shane Harper in 2024; Smith finished the 2023-24 season with 27 goals and 23 assists for 50 points in 69 games last season and added nine goals and three assists for 12 points in 19 games during the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs. In 209 games with Adirondack, he’s put up 54 goals and 65 assists for 119 points in 209 games. The 27-year-old forward wore an “A” for the Thunder last season and will likely once again wear a letter for the Thunder next season. Smith is a huge part of the Thunder PK and plays a solid two-way game. The Roanoke, VA native is 19 games away from passing Blake Thompson for second in career games with Adirondack.
“We are so thrilled to have Ryan Smith return after completing his best season as a professional,” said Head Coach Pete MacArthur. “He is a top penalty killer across the league, can score goals, and play half the game without losing his pace. We are fired up to have our co-MVP back in Adirondack!”
Head Coach Pete MacArthur on the re-signing of Ryan Smith
