Thunderbirds sign 2019 First Rounder Clarke Petterson
Oct 21, 2019
Halifax, Nova Scotia- The Halifax Thunderbirds have signed Clarke Petterson to a one-year contract. Petterson who played four years for Cornell University was drafted with the 5th overall selection in the first round of the 2019 Entry Draft.
“Petterson is an elite offensive player,” said Head Coach Mike Accursi. “He’s always been one of the top offensive players in his age group. He went down to Cornell and had an outstanding NCAA career. In Junior A he was always one of the top offensive players so by adding him to our team to our already good right side we just got a whole lot better.”
A Mimico native, Petterson recently wrapped up an impression junior career with the Jr A Excelsiors. In just 18 games during the 2018 regular season, Petterson posted 97 points, with an astounding 101 points in just 21 playoff games. Petterson and the Jr Excels fell just shy of their ultimate goal of bringing home a Minto Cup, but the production out of the young righty was nothing to be ignored.
He was protected by the Excelsiors in the 2019 MSL Draft and making the seamless leap to the MSL posting 17 goals and 47 points in just 16 games.
A three-time captain at Cornell University, Petterson was the first sophomore captain in the history of the lacrosse program. In 2019 Petterson was Second Team All-Ivy, as well as Honorable Mention All-Ivy in 2017. Petterson earned Ivy League Player of the Week and the USILA Team of the Week honours twice during the 2019 season.
At Cornell, Petterson put up an impressive 112 goals and 172 points in 59 career games for the Big Red, ranking him top-10 in school history. The righty also became the first sophomore in program history to become a captain.
In his senior season he ranked second in the nation in shooting percentage (.557), 17th in goals per game (2.93) and 28th in points per game (4.13). As a freshman Petterson played in all 13 games, making 10 starts, finishing his season with nine goals and six assists. He picked up 15 ground balls and seven caused turnovers and was named Ivy Rookie of the Week twice. Petterson finished his career in the Top 10 at Cornell for goals and points, becoming the 43rd player in Cornell history to reach 100 career points.
Concluding his stellar field career with Cornell, Petterson was drafted 5th overall by the Redwoods LC in the Premier Lacrosse League's 2019 Entry Draft. He appeared in seven games, tallying 12 points.
“It’s an amazing feeling to have that hard work pay off,” said Clarke Petterson. “Having the ability to play for a new team in a new area and to be able to be a part of growing the team in a new area is something I’m very excited for. I’ve worked my whole life for this moment, and I can’t wait to get this season going.”
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The Halifax Thunderbirds, one of the newest expansion locations in the National Lacrosse League, brings a championship caliber organization and professional lacrosse to Nova Scotia. Season ticket memberships are now on sale at halifaxthunderbirds.com or by calling 902-334-2333 and include exclusive benefits such as special team access and VIP events. Fans can follow the team on social media @HFXThunderbirds to receive behind the scenes access as the team prepares to start its nine-game home season at the Scotiabank Centre this December.