Minnesota Thunder News Release – www.mnthunder.com
Monday, February 2, 2009
ST PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Thunder announced today that forward Brian Cvilikas has signed a one year contract with two option years which secures his services through the 2011 season. Cvilikas was a key component in the Thunder’s turnaround last season after he was signed on August 13, 2008.
“I am excited that Brian is on board with the Thunder for the next three years,” said Thunder head coach Donny Gramenz. “He is tall, fast, agile, can play with his back to the goal and likes to get behind the opposing team’s defense. I know in every training session and in every game we will get an honest work ethic and he will do the little things that will help to make our team successful.”
With the Thunder in 2008, Cvilikas played in each of the final eight regular season games and tallied one goal and one assist in 458 minutes played. His goal came in the final regular season game against the Montreal Impact in which Cvilikas scored the game winner to ensure the Thunder made the playoffs.
Prior to joining the Thunder last season, Cvilikas spent the entire season with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL Second Division, in which he scored six goals and tallied two assists.
While playing four years at Old Dominion University, Cvilikas earned All-American honors, Player of the Year honors and scored 31 career goals, fourth all time scorer for ODU.
After graduating, Cvilikas was drafted to the New York Red Bulls then went on to play for the USL First Division Virginia Beach Mariners for the remainder of 2006. In 2007, he joined the Wilmington Hammerheads, leading the team in scoring in his first and second seasons with the team.
The Thunder opens the 2009 home campaign on Saturday, May 2 when the defending champions, the Vancouver Whitecaps, come to the National Sports Center. To view the complete 2009 schedule, visit www.mnthunder.com
