Winston-Salem, NC – The Carolina Thunderbirds are happy to announce the return of Jan Salak for the 2019-20 season. Additionally, the team is inviting Charlotte native Brendan Logan to training camp this season.
Salak was a big part of the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup championship team, literally and figuratively. The team will enjoy having his 6’5″ frame back on the ice. They’ll also enjoy the production he puts out on the ice. Last season, Salak appeared in 63 of 64 games (regular season and playoffs) and tallied 28 goals and 56 assists for 84 points. Six of his goals last season were game winners.
“We are thrilled for the return of ‘Big #16’ Jan Salak” Thunderbirds GM Jimmy Milliken said. “Last season, Salak was a key member of our championship team with his offensive production and will be back again for our run at back-to-back championships.”
Salak will be back for his fifth season in the Federal Prospects Hockey League. His previous years have seen him spend time in Brewster and Berlin (both now-defunct). In his FPHL career he’s over a point-per-game player with 158 points (53G-105A) in 146 games played. His unique blend of size and skill make him a force in the league.
“He’s just so hard to knock off the puck that he makes everyone around him even better by opening up space for them.” Milliken said.
Salak often featured on a line with team captain and league MVP last year Josh Pietrantonio and Jiri Pargac. The three of those players combined for 223 points in the 18-19 FPHL season.
Salak joins Michael Bunn, Petr Panacek and Jay Kenney as players from last year’s championship team to return to Carolina in 19-20. Additionally, head coach Andre Niec will return behind the bench for the title defense year.
The Thunderbirds are also happy to announce the invitiation of Brendan Logan to training camp this season.
Logan, 23, is a Charlotte, NC native who just finished his NCAA DIII career at Wilkes University. Wilkes wasn’t his only stop in college though as he committed as a freshman to SUNY-Fredonia but transferred to Aurora, also in the DIII level, without playing a game in New York. His college career numbers come out to 34 points in 59 games played between the two schools he stepped on the ice for in three seasons.
“Brendan was scouted and brought to our attention by one of our star players Michael Bunn” Milliken said. “Brendan played at a well respected Division III school and can be a great addition to the Thunderbirds with his speed and shot. Coach Niec will bring him to training camp to compete for a spot on our roster.”
Logan’s stops in junior hockey took him to Cleveland (NA3HL), Johnstown (NAHL), and Carolina Eagles (USPHL).
Podcasts/Media
-
Podcast
/ 2 days agoBleav in Panthers – The One With The Cardinals Victory Lap – Thurs Dec 26th 2024
Hosted by Desmond Johnson and Jonathan Stewart The guys take a look back at...
-
Podcast
/ 1 week agoBleav in Panthers – The One With The Six Sack Day – Tues Dec 16th 2024
Hosted by Desmond Johnson and Jonathan Stewart Dez and J Stew review the Panthers...
-
Podcast
/ 1 week agoThe Cat Cave – Ep 66 – Thurs Dec 19th 2024
Ryan Frick and Shannon Smith discuss the Carolina Panthers’ latest loss to the Dallas...
-
Podcast
/ 1 week agoWinning The Division – Ep 18 – Thurs Dec 19th 2024
Co Hosts Ryan Smith and former NFL TE Ben Troupe recap week 15 of...
ACC Football
-
ACC Football
/ 2 days agoClemson DE AJ Hoffler plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal
Published by On3 Clemson DE AJ Hoffler is planning to enter the NCAA Transfer...
-
ACC Football
/ 1 week agoNorth Carolina enters mix for NC State transfer WR KC Concepcion
Published by On3 NC State transfer wide receiver KC Concepcion is currently at Texas...
-
ACC Football
/ 1 week agoCollege Football Playoffs Are Here
Published by Taste of Country The expanded college football playoffs — something football fans...
-
ACC Football
/ 2 weeks agoTransfer Portal Bio Blast: Maalik Murphy
Published by On3 The winter transfer portal window officially opened last week. We’ve seen...
NFL/Carolina Panthers
-
NFL
/ 2 weeks agoPanthers HC Dave Canales on Bill Belichick-UNC reports: Would love to ‘pick his brain at some point
Published by On3 The state of North Carolina is home to football coaches such...
-
NFL
/ 2 weeks agoXavier Legette reveals he canceled ‘every plan’ he had after heartbreaking drop vs. Eagles
Published by On3 Carolina Panthers (3-10) rookie wideout Xavier Legette his struggled with drops...
-
NFL
/ 3 weeks agoBleav in Panthers – The One With The Cowboys Visit – Tues Dec 10th 2024
Hosted by Jonathan Stewart, Desmond Johnson, Schuyler Callihan The Panthers narrowly lose for the...
-
NFL
/ 3 weeks agoPanthers signing former Tennessee, USC star WR Velus Jones Jr.
Published by On3 As Velus Jones Jr. tries to find his footing in the...