Thunderbirds sign Rhys Duch to a One-Year Contract
Jul 28, 2022
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (July 28, 2022) - The Halifax Thunderbirds today announced they have re-signed forward Rhys Duch to a one-year contract.
“Duch will be hungry to hit the turf after missing most of the 2021-22 season,” Thunderbirds Owner and General Manager Curt Styres said. “He brings winning experience, veteran leadership, and a competitive pedigree with a great outside shot to contribute on offence that will fit well with the Thunderbirds. They call him Clutch Duch for a reason.”
Duch, 36, saw action in the first two games of the 2021-22 season for the Thunderbirds before suffering a season-ending lower-body injury early in the second game of the season. He posted four points (3G, 1A) and a 30.0 S% prior to being unable to play.
The Victoria, B.C. native scored the game-winning overtime goal to clinch the Calgary Roughnecks’ NLL Cup victory in in 2019. He is a two-time NLL Champion, the 2009 NLL Rookie of the Year, and member of the 2011 and 2013 NLL All-Pro First Teams and 2010 NLL All-Pro Second Team, respectively.
Duch’s 2019-20 NLL season with the Calgary Roughnecks saw the righty post 25 points (8G, 17A) in six regular-season games played. Prior to signing with the Roughnecks as a free agent in 2018, Duch spent 10 years with the Stealth franchise, drafted by the San Jose Stealth with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 NLL Entry Draft.
A Stony Brook University alum, Duch is the Stealth franchise record holder for goals (370), assists (523), and points (893) and has played the second-most games (166) for the franchise.
Across his 13-year NLL career, Duch has seen action in 192 regular-season games and 16 postseason contests. He has a career 17.8 shooting percentage, complimenting his 996 regular-season points (408G, 588A) and 845 loose balls. In his 16 postseason games, Duch has 78 points (34G, 44A), 75 loose balls, and a 21.0 shooting percentage.
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The Thunderbirds return to Scotiabank Centre for their third season in Halifax, this winter. Season tickets to watch championship-caliber professional lacrosse in Nova Scotia are on sale at HalifaxThunderbirds.com or by calling or texting 902-334-2333.