Friesen Signs One-Year Agreement
Sep 25, 2020
(September 23, 2020) Halifax, NS - The Thunderbirds announced today that defenceman Owen Friesen has been signed to a one-year agreement. The rookie was drafted in last week’s National Lacrosse League Entry Draft in the third round, 48th overall.
“It was a very surreal moment for me and whirlwind couple days as I entered the draft late but its all been a dream of mine to play in the NLL and for Curt Styres,” said Friesen. “I always played against his Six Nations teams and even played for him a few times in field tournaments and Jr. NLL tournament.”
The righty defenceman played for St. Catharines Athletics OLA Jr A from 2016 to 2019. In 2019 he played in 19 games, scoring two goals, added 12 assists and 12 penalty minutes. In the postseason in 2019 he played in four games, with one assist and five penalty minutes. Friesen was also named all-star on three occasions at the Provincial Final Six Championships.
“Owen has been a stellar defenseman and transition defender for the St. Catharines athletic Junior A team for a long time,” said Head Coach Mike Accursi. “We have had our eye on him for a few years. He will battle hard for a spot on the Thunderbirds this year.”
As far as what he looks forward to most, learning from the best on the defensive end. “I cannot wait to learn from guys like Graeme Hossack, David Brock and Tyson Bell as we grow up in the same city. I've been watching him play since I was a kid. Just learning how to sharpen my skills for the highest level and pick their brains on little tips here and there.”