Biography
Position: Goalie
Catches: Left
Height: 6’0"
Weight: 180 lbs
Birthday: 3/19/1986
Hometown: Aldergrove, BC
Draft: Undrafted
Acquired: Signed as a free agent by Pittsburgh Apr 3, 2009
Player Type: Butterfly
NHL Comparable: Ondrej Pavelec
 
Career Projection
Brad Thiessen had a very illustrious college playing career, where he played for Northeastern University (NCAA) for three consecutive years. In 2009, after being nominated as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award the Penguins made an offer and signed the prospect to a two-year two-way deal. In his final season there, he was 25-12-4, with a 2.12 GAA and a .931 sv%. He was actually part of the taxi squad for the Stanley Cup winning Pittsburgh Penguins team. After training camp ended, Thiessen was assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL). After Adam Berkhoel returned from injury, Thiessen was demoted to the ECHL where he dominated (8-3, 2.67 GAA, .919%). Obviously no goalie in the system has a career potential as a number one starter in Pittsburgh, but Thiessen could be given a look at a back-up role if you look at the team, long-term.
 
Strengths
Good athleticism.. Strong five-hole coverage.. Maintains solid vision of the puck through traffic… Can move well laterally.. Isn’t afraid to change the angle or challenge a shooter from a close distance.. Plays the puck very well and can make perfect saucer passes from far distances
 
Weaknesses
Needs to work on his timing and mechanics, which were exposed at the AHL level early on.. Positioning needs some tweaking.. Needs to build confidence as he begins his pro career in net.. Glove hand could use some work
 
Achievements/Awards
• ECHL Goaltender of the Week for Jan. 4-10 (2009-10)
• Hobey Baker finalist, Hockey East Player of the Year, Hockey East All-Star team (2008-09)
• Hockey East ITECH Goaltending Champion and Three Stars Award…earned Hockey East monthly honors for October, November and January (2008-09)
• Hockey East All-Rookie team (2006-07)