ECHL: Adirondack Thunder Signs 6’6 Rookie Goaltender and Re-Signs T.J. Friedmann

The Adirondack Thunder have announced that they have signed goaltender David Fessenden and re-signed forward T.J. Friedmann to contracts for the 2024-25 season. Fessenden comes in after spending five seasons at the NCAA level with the University of Alabama-Huntsville, the University of New Hampshire, and last season at Canisius College. In 79 games at the NCAA level, the Parker, Colorado native put up a 19-44-7 record with a 2.98 GAA, .903SV%, and two shutouts. Heading into next season, Fessenden will serve as the team’s third goaltender, a role that Vinnie Purpura played last season with Adirondack but was recently traded to the Reading Royals.

“David Fessenden joins us after a successful collegiate career with three separate schools,” added MacArthur. “He is 6-foot-6, has size you cannot teach and the athleticism to go with it. We are excited to see how his game translates to the professional level!”
-Head Coach Pete MacArthur on the signing of David Fessenden

T.J. Friedmann has re-signed with the Thunder as he’s coming off a year where he struggled with injuries, which limited him to only 26 games with Adirondack, where he put up six goals and four assists for 10 points and would add two assists in 14 Kelly Cup Playoff Games with the Thunder. He also spent three games at the AHL level with the Utica Comets, putting up one goal and one assist. There’s a lot to like about Friedmann, as he’s a guy who saw time down the middle with the Thunder and on the wing. Head Coach Pete MacArthur mentioned that he’s not sure how this deal will work out. Don’t be surprised if Friedmann ends up signing an AHL deal as well. He was on an AHL deal with Utica last season.

“T.J. Friedmann provides energy and character on and off the ice, creates depth at the center position and is used on both the power play and primarily the penalty kill,” said Head Coach Pete MacArthur. “He is huge to our culture and will look to build on an injury plagued rookie season!”
-Head Coach Pete MacArthur on the re-signing of Friedmann

These two signings replace the two bodies that the Thunder traded away. Friedmann plays very similarly to how Travis Broughman played, and Fessenden, as previously mentioned, will serve as the team’s third goaltender next season.