The Adirondack Thunder made a lot of key signings last season, and one of the more impactful signings that paid off at the end of last season and one of those acquisitions was the signing of Alex Young. The 23-year-old defenseman would put up two goals and six assists for six points in seven games at the end of the 2023-24 season and would play in nine Kelly Cup Playoff games with the Thunder.
“I think it was very beneficial for me to get my feet wet and kind of get an experience of the league and how to live a pro lifestyle and use that experience I had for the playoffs to jump right into the regular season this year”
Young on being able to get a taste of ECHL experince with the Thunder at the end of last season
Early Hockey Days/Juniors
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Alex Young found his love for hockey in a backyard pond with his brothers between the ages of four and five. He would then start playing organized hockey with the help of his dad, who volunteered at a learn-to-skate program at a local rink and would end up playing four years in the AJHL with the Canmore Eagles. In four years with the Eagles, he would put up 91 goals and 115 assists for 206 points in 172 career games. Alex would end up being drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 Draft by the San Jose Sharks.
“That was pretty cool. I had talked to them beforehand, and I was hoping they were going to take a chance on me and draft me. I was at Colgate University when they drafted me. It was actually during a practice, and my other teammates came out yelling at me cause out skating around, and that’s how they broke the news to me.”
Young on being drafted by the Sharks
Collegiate Career
Young spent his first three collegiate seasons at Colgate University, where he scored 37 goals and 46 assists for 83 points in 100 games as a member of the Raiders. In his first season with Colgate, he scored six goals and seven assists for 13 points in 21 games.
He was also named to the ECAC First All-Star Team in 2023, the same year the Raiders won the ECAC Championship. One of the things Young touched on during his time with the Raiders was that he was able to play alongside his brother Colton for three years. Colton has spent the last three seasons in the ECHL with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, where he’s scored 12 goals and added 19 assists for 31 points in 60 career games.
“It was awesome, it’s a great school, the team was awesome, everyone of my teammates and my experience there was something I’ll remember and cherish for the rest of my life. It was also a cool experience to play with my brother for three of those years; to have that experience and play there was something special”.
Alex Young on his time at Colgate
Alex would end up transferring to Arizona State for his final year of eligibility, where he would put up just six goals and three points for nine points in 37 games. During the 2023-24 season, the Sun Devils would share their rink with the Arizona Coyotes, who were using Mullins Arena as their home rink.
“That was definitely a cool experience sharing the ice with the Coyotes. I never really ran into them at all, but we would see a couple of NHL team practice or pregame skate after us. Just to see the atmosphere of the fans to come in and cheer for both us and the Coyotes was pretty special, and that brand new arena is nice too, so it was cool to play there.”
Alex Young on the his experience at Arizona State
A Strong Start To 2024-25
Undoubtedly, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Pete MacArthur liked what he saw in Young last year and decided to bring him back for the 2024-25 season. Through his first 22 games this season, the 23-year-old forward has put up six goals and eight assists for 14 points, as well as seeing top-line minutes. He is currently tied for second in goals, assists, and points for Adirondack.
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