Thunderbirds sign Rookie Defenseman, Ryan Terefenko, to a Three-Year Contract
Jul 23, 2021
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (July 23, 2021) - The Halifax Thunderbirds today announced they have signed rookie defenceman Ryan Terefenko to a three-year contract.
“Terry is one of the hardest working teammates I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing with. I believe that his abilities on the lacrosse field will translate seamlessly too the NLL and he will be a pivotal piece of our teams success immediately,” said Thunderbirds defenseman and former Ohio State teammate, Jake Withers. “His selflessness, tenacity and passion for the game will be major factors in helping our team win games.”
Terefenko, 23, was selected in the second round of the 2020 NLL Entry Draft by the Thunderbirds with the 27th overall pick. While the Sinking Spring, Pa. native has primarily field lacrosse experience, the Thunderbirds are high on the right-hander’s accolades accrued during his five years at Ohio State University and his ongoing impressive rookie campaign in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL).
Electing to return as a Buckeye for his fifth season of eligibility due to the 2020 NCAA men’s lacrosse season being cancelled due to the pandemic, Terefenko racked up awards at Ohio State as a three-time captain. He became Ohio State’s first four-time USILA All-American as a short stick defensive midfielder, was named to the First Team All-Big Ten in 2018 and 2019, and was a two-time Tewaaraton Award nominee. He played in 59 games for the Buckeyes, finishing with 40 points (20G, 20A), 166 ground balls, and 14 caused turnovers.
In 2021, Terefenko was selected by Chrome Lacrosse Club in the PLL with the 12th overall selection of the 2021 PLL College Draft. He quickly developed into one of the best rookie players and arguably one of the best SSDMs in the PLL in his five games, shutting down dangerous assignments with his physicality and pushing in transition.
Through five games, Terefenko has a point in every game, two of them goals and the other three assists. He has caused five turnovers and scooped up nine ground balls, as well.
Withers went on to state “Terry’s positive presence and leadership in the gym and locker room are unmatched. He will undoubtedly fit right in, on and off the floor, and make for some exciting play for the Tbirds fans. I cannot express how excited I am to be able to play alongside him again.”
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The Thunderbirds return to Scotiabank Centre for #UnfinishedBusiness on Dec. 4, 2021 to take on the Saskatchewan Rush. Season tickets to watch championship-caliber professional lacrosse in Nova Scotia are on sale at HalifaxThunderbirds.com or by calling or texting 902-334-2333.