Thunderbirds Sign Three Draft Picks to One-Year Deals
Sep 28, 2023
(HALIFAX, NS) October 3, 2023 - The Halifax Thunderbirds announced today that the team has signed 2023 draft picks Caelan Mander, Andrew Vradenburg, and Briley Maxwell to one-year contracts.
“I’m excited to see the future stars of the NLL compete against our veterans in training camp,” Thunderbirds Head Coach Mike Accursi said. “All three players bring size, skill, and a winning pedigree to our organization.”
Mander, a Surrey, British Columbia product, finished his third season of Junior A with the Port Coquitlam Saints. In a standout summer, Mander put up 23 points in just 19 games. The 2004-born defender also participated in the 2022 Minto Cup with the Edmonton Miners, collecting five points in seven games.
“I am very excited to be given the opportunity to join the Thunderbirds,” Mander said. “I am looking forward to this experience, being surrounded by such accomplished players who can help further my development and skillset in this game. I’m so thankful for the support of my family, teammates, and coaches who have guided me along the way.”
Vradenburg is coming off a summer in the OJLL with his hometown Burlington Blaze. In 18 games played, Vradenburg collected nine points and had only 14 penalty minutes while captaining his team to the elusive Minto Cup.
“It still doesn’t feel real to be playing for one of the top organizations in the league,” Vradenburg said. “Halifax is an amazing city with some of the best fans in the league. There’s so much talent on the roster with so many experienced players to learn from. I can’t wait to get to The Nest this winter.”
Maxwell, a 6-food-3, 200-pound lefty forward, is coming off a strong summer with the Edmonton Miners Junior A squad. The Edmonton, Alberta native put up 39 points in the regular season and added another 38 points during the Miners’ run to a second consecutive Minto Cup appearance.
“I always want to thank my friends, family, and coaches for giving me the support I needed to get to this point in my career,” Maxwell said. “I’m so thankful for the Thunderbirds organization giving me the opportunity to chase my lifelong dream. This is just the beginning.”
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The Thunderbirds open the 2023-24 season at home on December 1, when they welcome the Saskatchewan Rush to Scotiabank Centre. Season tickets and Nest packs to watch championship-caliber professional lacrosse in Nova Scotia are on sale at HalifaxThunderbirds.com or by calling or texting 902-334-2333.