GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils and Utica Comets, has announced that they have signed defenseman Chris Lijdsman to a standard player contract for the 2021-22 season and have acquired Jake Ryczek, also a defenseman, in a three-team trade from the Wheeling Nailers via the Reading Royals. The full trade included the Royals sending Ryczek to the Nailers in exchange for forward Jacob Pritchard, then Wheeling flipping Ryczek to Adirondack for future considerations.
Lijdsman (pronounced LYDES-min) joins the Thunder defense after spending the 2020-21 season with the Birmingham Bulls of the Southern Professional Hockey League. In the 39 games, Lijdsman scored two goals and added 10 assists. Over the course of four seasons, Lijdsman skated in 127 SPHL games and saw time with Pensacola Ice Flyers, Huntsville Havoc, and Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs.
Lijdsman made his ECHL debut with the Jacksonville IceMen in 2019-20. The 30-year-old suited up for 15 games, racked up 21 penalty minutes, and had a +7 rating.
Ryczek spent the 2019-20 season with the Indy Fuel, recording 17 points with 46 games played.
Ryczek played for three seasons in the United States Hockey League and suited up for the Sioux City Muskateers and the Chicago Steel. The 23-year-old recorded 81 points (21 goals, 60 assists) in 151 games in his USHL career.
The Opening Night Four Pack is Back! The Thunder open their 2021-22 season on Oct. 23 against the Newfoundland Growlers. Get four tickets, four souvenir cups, and two Sky Zone jump passes for only $69. Visit www.echlthunder.com/fourpack or the SeatGeek Box Office at Cool Insuring Arena to get yours today. For all the lastest Adirondack Thunder news, follow the team on all social media @ECHLThunder.
