A Familiar Face Returns
The Adirondack Thunder have announced the re‑signing of forward Matt Salhany for the 2026‑27 campaign, bringing back a veteran who knows the organization inside and out after stints abroad and a recent season in France.
Salhany, who will turn 34 during the upcoming season, previously wore the Thunder jersey for two separate stretches, most notably during the 2019‑20 campaign when he posted a career‑high 51 points and added 71 assists — good for third all‑time in franchise history. His 71 helpers remain a benchmark for offensive contribution in the club's ECHL annals.
After his initial Adirondack years, Salhany pursued five seasons overseas, logging time in various European leagues before joining the Jacksonville Icemen for the 2022‑23 campaign, appearing in 11 games. In the 2024‑25 French league season he finished second on his team with 38 points across 43 appearances, underscoring his ability to adapt and contribute offensively in different environments.
Overall, Salhany's ECHL career spans 226 games with Reading, South Carolina, Jacksonville and Adirondack, during which he has accumulated 143 points. His back‑to‑back career years in the AHL system, highlighted by the 51‑point season, illustrate a consistent upward trajectory that the Thunder hope to reignite.
What This Means for the Thunder
The organization views Salhany's return as a boost to offensive depth and a chance to blend veteran savvy with the club's developing talent. His familiarity with the market and proven ability to generate points make him a natural rallying figure for fans eager to see the team contend again.
As the Thunder prepare for the 2026‑27 season, the addition of Salhany adds a layer of experience that could prove decisive during tight stretches of the schedule, while also offering mentorship to younger players looking to carve out their own paths in professional hockey.