Wenzel rejoins Thunder

Derek Stamp and the Airdrie Techmation Thunder got a late Christmas present.

Reigning HJHL Defenceman of the Year Jason Wenzel returned to the team for Friday's 5-2 victory over the visiting Ponoka Stampeders.

But that gift came with a price.

"It's a little bit bitter-sweet," the Thunder head coach said. "On the one hand, any time you can add a talent like Jason, it instantly makes your hockey team that much better.

"But the bitter part of it was because he's a 21-year-old, another 21-year-old had to leave and unfortunately that was Kirkland Spencer.

"That was a tough, tough conversation. He was a pro about it. He didn't like it, but he understood."

Spencer was one of five players who represented the Thunder at last weekend's HJHL All-Star Game in Medicine Hat.

Wenzel had planned on playing with former Thunder teammates Cooper Page and Tyler McCarry for the University of Providence Argonauts in Great Falls, Mont. this season.

But when the college league discovered Wenzel had previously played in the WHL (with the Kootenay Ice in 2015-16), it ruled him ineligible.

"It was the day before the home opener, I was pumped to play and then I got the call," Wenzel said.

The Argonauts immediately added Wenzel to their coaching staff, but the itch to play was too strong.

"It was hard to watch the boys play every night," Wenzel said. "I wanted to be out there, so it wasn't my favourite thing in the world.

"I had the chance to transfer up here and come join the Thunder, so I'm excited."

Wenzel, who is studying computer sciences at Mount Royal University, isn't wearing his usual No. 7. Luke Jensen snapped up that digit prior to the season, leaving Wenzel with No. 5.

"If I don't score in the next couple of games here, I'll definitely be trying to buy that jersey off him."