Childhood friends re-united by Thunder
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Updated: August 11, 2009 11:53 AM
A pair of Langley Minor Hockey products and childhood friends are set to skate together in the ranks of pro hockey.
Tyler Burton and Steve Vanoosten, both 24, have signed on to play with the ECHL’s Stockton Thunder. The team is an affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers.
“Steve and I have been best friends since childhood, so getting the chance to play again with him and in an environment like Stockton is an exciting opportunity,” Burton said.
“It’s always fun playing hockey with your best friend,” Vanoosten said.
Burton, a forward, split last season between Trenton (ECHL) and the Lowell Devils (AHL) before injuries shelved him in January.
In 33 pro games, he tallied 11 goals and 10 assists.
“We’ve wanted to add a premier scorer of Tyler’s ability level this summer,” said Thunder coach Matt Thomas.
“His proven track record of success in junior and college has validated him as an offensive force. We’re confident he can build on last season and become a leader for us in helping put the puck in the net.”
Vanoosten, a defenceman, is entering his first year of pro hockey after four years at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
“We’re looking for his two-way style and skill to help on the breakout and translate into a nice compliment for our high-tempo attacking style,” Thomas said.
In addition to playing their minor hockey together, Burton and Vanoosten also skated with the Chilliwack Chiefs back in the 2003-04 season.
That season, Burton wracked up 30 goals and 80 assists for the Chiefs before he went off to Colgate University for a stellar-four year collegiate career.
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