The Perth Thunder have signed 22-year old Canadian forward Luke Judson for the 2015 AIHL season.

Judson is an offensively gifted power forward, whose leadership and physicality will play a key role for the Thunder as they look to get back to the AIHL finals for the second time after missing out in 2014.

For Judson, signing with the  Perth Thunder and playing in the AIHL is an exciting prospect.

“I decided to send a few messages out earlier this season and get some more information about the AIHL,” Judson said. “Perth General Manager Stan Scott was more than helpful and really opened my eyes to what I think will be a great experience. I'm really looking forward to playing for the Perth Thunder.”

Currently playing for the Bakersfield Condors of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) in North America, Judson has played plenty of pro hockey for a young player. He originally joined the ECHL in 2013 with the San Francisco Bulls and has gone on to play for four ECHL teams. In 108 games, Judson has scored 15 goals and 20 assists, for a total of 35 points. 

Judson played his junior hockey with the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). in five seasons with the Bulls between 2007-2012, he played 299 games, racking up 177 points (88 goals, 89 assists). He was named team captain for four seasons between 2008-2012, a role he  relished.

“It was a huge honour to captain that team and I took a lot of pride in that position,” Judson said. “It's nice to be recognised, but ultimately I try to bring the same qualities to any team I play on, whether there is a letter on my jersey or not.”

As a player, Judson is an offensive producer but he is also brings a physical presence with his game and is not afraid to battle guys bigger than him.

“There's a lot more to playing physical than just fighting and I bring that physicality to my game every night” said Judson. “Things like finishing checks, fore-checking hard and blocking shots aren't easy things to do, but they're the things that keep my game relevant if I’m not scoring. If I’ve made it a hard night for my opponent, I’ve done my job.”

After only nine wins in 2014, the Perth Thunder are hungry to return to the AIHL Finals. Joining the team alongside Finnish import Toni Kluuskeri, it’s hoped that Judson’s signing will help bolster the Thunder’s offence.

“I'd describe myself as a power forward,” Judson said. “I play a physical and positionally responsible game. I haven't put up the offensive numbers I'd have liked to so far in the ECHL, but I think I'll be able to bring some of the scoring touch I had in the OHL and my University days to the Thunder.”

Judson grew up in a small town in Ontario, called Emo and he understands the impact hockey players can have on a community. 

“I try to be someone people remember in a positive way, whether through supporting the community or my play on the ice,” Judson said. “I try to make a difference on the teams I've been involved with. There seems to be a big opportunity in Perth to become a significant part of their community and organisation , and that's something I'm excited about.”

Growing up in Ontario, Judson’s hockey idol was Mike Modano of the Dallas Stars.

“I still have his jersey hanging on the wall back home,” Judson said. “I was only eight when Modano won the Stanley Cup with Dallas in '99, and the final game of the series against Buffalo is one of my favourite memories of watching hockey as a kid.”

When asked what he’s looking forward to most about heading down under, Judson has big plans.

“I'd like to help out with minor hockey in the community, see the sights in Perth and the rest of Australia, and most importantly, try to win a championship with the Thunder,” he said. 

The Thunder start their AIHL season on May 2 when they travel to Sydney to take on the Bears at the Penrith Ice Palace. The Thunder will be in action again the following night, when they head down the M7 to take on the Sydney Ice Dogs at the Liverpool Catholic Club Ice Rink.