On Wednesday, the Thunderbolts and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes announced several transactions, led by the signing of goaltender Ty Taylor to a standard contract, the signing of forward Myles Abbate to a professional tryout (PTO), and the signing of defenseman Michael Greco from a professional tryout (PTO) to a standard contract.
Taylor played last season in the EIHL with the Glasgow Clan, playing in 17 games and finishing with a 3-11 record. Previously, Taylor played briefly in the ECHL with the Orlando Solar Bears in 2021-22 after concluding four seasons of college hockey with the University of New Hampshire from 2018-21 and Grant MacEwan University in 2021-22. The native of Richmond, British Columbia was selected in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft in the 7th round, 214th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning, following two seasons in the BCHL with the Vernon Vipers between 2016-18.
Abbate turned pro this season with the Peoria Rivermen, playing in two games, including one against Evansville. Abbate had just concluded a four-year college career with Plymouth State University from 2019-2023, scoring 54 goals and 115 points in 86 games. Prior to college, the Norwell, Massachusetts native attended Proctor Academy in New Hampshire from 2015-19.
Since signing a professional tryout, Greco has played in five games so far for the Thunderbolts and has added a tremendous physical element to the Thunderbolts' game, exhibiting exceptional body checking ability and drawing numerous retaliation penalties while maintaining a solid defensive presence during his early stint with Evansville, earning him a standard contract.
In additional transaction news, goaltender Sean Kuhn has been placed on waivers.