November 8, 2021 – National Lacrosse League (NLL) – Halifax Thunderbirds News Release
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – The Halifax Thunderbirds today announced they have signed forward Rhys Duch to a one-year contract.
“We’re very happy to have an opportunity to watch Rhys play in Halifax,” Thunderbirds Owner and General Manager Curt Styres said. “He’s got a great outside shot, he can score in tight, and he has a great ability to move the ball. The opportunities are endless. He brings a different dynamic to our offence and will allow our other offensive players to score.”
Duch, 35, scored the game-winning overtime goal to clinch the Calgary Roughnecks’ NLL Cup win 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 right-hander post 25 points (8G, 17A) in six regular-season games played. Prior to signing with the Roughnecks as a free agent in 2018, the Victoria, B.C. native 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 most goals (370), assists (523), and points (893) and has played the second most games (166) for the franchise.
Across his 12-year NLL career, Duch has seen action in 190 regular season games and 16 postseason contests. He has a career 17.8 shooting percentage, complimenting his 992 regular season points (405G, 587A) and 842 loose balls. In his 16 postseason games, Duch has 78 points (34G, 44A), 75 loose balls, and a 21.0 shooting percentage.
“I’m really excited to get going with Halifax,” Duch said. “It’s an opportunity to be on board with an already championship-contending team and an overall great organization and incredible fan base. I’m looking forward to being a major contributor on the floor and bringing even more experience to an already determined leadership group.”
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The Thunderbirds return to Scotiabank Centre for #UnfinishedBusiness on Dec. 4, 2021 to take on the Saskatchewan Rush. 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.
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