A. J. Thelen

Last updated
A. J. Thelen
Born (1986-03-11) March 11, 1986 (age 38)
Savage, Minnesota, USA
Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight 212 lb (96 kg; 15 st 2 lb)
Position Defense
Shot Left
Played for Houston Aeros
Kalamazoo Wings
Rochester Americans
Texas Wildcatters
NHL draft 12th overall, 2004
Minnesota Wild
Playing career 2006–2011

Anthony James "A. J." Thelen [1] (born March 11, 1986) is an American retired professional ice hockey defenseman. He was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, selected 12th overall.

Contents

Playing career

After playing for the U.S. National Under-18 Development Program in 2002–03, Thelen joined Michigan State University to play college hockey. After his freshman season in 2003–04, he was drafted in the first round, 12th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Wild. Following his sophomore season with Michigan State, however, he was dismissed by the league for rules infractions. [2]

Accordingly, he joined the major junior Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Prince Albert Raiders. Upon completing his first season in the WHL, Thelen was assigned by the Wild to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Houston Aeros, where he made his professional debut, playing in one game. The next season, in 2006–07, after missing some time due to a knee sprain, Thelen was traded by the Raiders to the Vancouver Giants, in exchange for defenseman John Flatters and prospect Nathan Deck, [2] where he captured the 2007 Memorial Cup championship with the Giants as tournament hosts.

Unsigned by the Wild out of major junior, Thelen turned pro in the ECHL with the Texas Wildcatters, tallying 35 points in his rookie season.

In 2008–09, Thelen joined the Florida Everblades. During the 2009-10 ECHL season, Thelen was named to the ECHL All-Star Team and took part in the skills competition. Thelen won the Hardest Shot Competition with a shot of 101.9 mph. [1] On February 13, 2010, Thelen would suffer another concussion, the third of his career. [3] He attempted to come back a week later, but ended up sitting out the rest of the season due to post-concussion syndrome.

On September 17, 2010, Thelen signed with the Kalamazoo Wings, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's New York Islanders [4]

With back issues and a history of concussions, Thelen retired from hockey after the completion of the 2010-11 ECHL season at age 25.

Career statistics

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2001–02 Shattuck–Saint Mary's AAMidget5122173942—————
2002–03 U.S. NTDP U17 USDP204158—————
2002–03U.S. NTDP U18USDP30000—————
2002–03U.S. NTDP U18 NAHL 4427972—————
2003–04 Michigan State University CCHA 4211182950—————
2004–05 Michigan State UniversityCCHA330111148—————
2005–06 Prince Albert Raiders WHL 7213233679—————
2005–06 Houston Aeros AHL 10002—————
2006–07 Prince Albert RaidersWHL23481253—————
2006–07 Vancouver Giants WHL30459352217818
2007–08 Texas Wildcatters ECHL 63728357040112
2008–09 Florida Everblades ECHL3431417271001114
2009–10 Florida EverbladesECHL488182652—————
2009–10 Rochester Americans AHL90006—————
2010–11 Kalamazoo Wings ECHL65623293219481212
AHL totals100008—————
ECHL totals2102483107181334101428

Awards and honors

AwardYear
All-CCHA Rookie Team 2003-04
All-CCHA First Team 2003-04
CCHA Best Offensive Defenseman 2003-04
AHCA West Second-Team All-American 2003–04
CHL Memorial Cup 2007

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References

  1. 1 2 "K-Wings Bolster Blue Line And Add Grit Up Front". WingsStadium.com. 2009-09-17. Archived from the original on 2010-12-02. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  2. 1 2 "Giants refuse to stand pat, grab Wild prospect". Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on 2011-07-24. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  3. ↑ "Injury Updates On Defensemen A.J. Thelen, Ryan Van Buskirk, As Well As Center Mike Bayrack". NaplesNews.com. 2009-03-03. Archived from the original on 2012-07-11. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
  4. ↑ "Former Florida Everblades defense and Minnesota Wild first round draft pick A.J. Thelen signs with Kalamazoo Wings". NaplesNews.com. 2009-09-17. Archived from the original on 2012-07-07. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by CCHA Best Offensive Defenseman
2003-04 		Succeeded by
Sporting positions
Preceded by Minnesota Wild first round draft pick
2004 		Succeeded by
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