The Phoenix Jr. Coyotes announced Dec. 4 that 16U AAA Elite forward Luke Ormsby has signed a standard player contract with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.

Ormsby has been playing for head coach Shawn McCosh this year and has contributed eight goals and two assists for 10 points in 18 games.

“It’s definitely been a childhood dream of mine to play for the T-Birds,” said Ormsby. “I remember going to games at ShoWare Center and seeing Thomas Hickey play. We regularly sat near the bench and after a game one time, Hickey gave me a puck.

“I am looking forward to joining the team in December and helping the team accomplish its goals.”

Ormsby was born in Port Angeles, Wash., and grew up in Bellingham and Everett. He played minor hockey with Sno-King Minor Hockey from ages 8-12 and played for Sno-King’s Team Seattle while with the association.

“Luke has had two very good training camps with us and has shown significant improvement every year,” said Seattle GM Russ Farwell. “Although he was close to making our team in the fall, it was agreed another year of development and strength would be our best path for him to become a regular player. He has impressed with is determination and will be a solid Thunderbird going forward.”

Originally selected by the Thunderbirds in the ninth round (192nd overall) in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft, Ormsby will join the T-Birds for games in mid-December as the Jr. Coyotes do not play any games from Dec. 7-27.

Photo/Seattle Thunderbirds