20-year old goaltender Rhett Bruckner is no stranger to the SoBe Ice Arena and this fall he will be minding the nets for the hometown Las Vegas Thunderbirds. Head coach Dave Hyrsky is thrilled to have a veteran between the pipes.

“Rhett brings us experience in goal,” said Hyrsky. “He’s someone who has played at the Junior level in our league and has had some success.”

Bruckner has a long history of of playing at a high level. At age 13 the young goalie was part of the LA Selects team that captured the famed Quebec International Pee Wee Tournament title. Prior to playing Junior hockey he was competing in the T1EHL for the Los Angeles Junior Kings.

In 2016 Bruckner play for the previous WSHL team here – the Las Vegas Storm – before moving on to the Phoenix Knights for 2017-18 season. Injuries have played a factor in the career of the 6’0 netminder and cost him a season last year.

Storm win 2-1 over San Diego. Rhett Bruckner gets his first Jr win in Net. Jake Mckenna plays in his 100th Jr game. — Las Vegas Storm (@lvstormhockey) October 15, 2016

“Rhett’s lower body injury slowed him for a year, but through surgery and rehab he has worked like a horse to get himself back in shape and ready to play. I noticed his eagerness to prove himself and watched him skate a few times and really liked his work ethic.”