Anaheim Jr. Ducks goaltender Carl Stankowski signed to play with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL) recently. Stankowski, who was a second-round selection (37th overall) by Seattle in the WHL Bantam Draft in 2015, was a member of the Jr. Ducks Midget 16U AAA-1 team that captured a CAHA state title this past season. “It’s really exciting to sign with the T-Birds,” Stankowski told the team’s official website. “I was able to visit the team this season and get a feel for the organization and the WHL. … It was a great atmosphere with great coaches.” Stankowski posted strong numbers for the Jr. Ducks in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League as well as CAHA play. In 16 Tier 1 Elite games, Stankowski went 11-4-0 with a 1.87 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage. He added two shutouts. In 10 CAHA games Stankowski had a .927 save percentage and 1.10 goals-against average. “We’re proud of Carl and his effort and we wish him the best of luck in the WHL,” said Alex Kim, Stankowski’s 16U coach and the Jr. Ducks’ director of player personnel. “He has great character and deserves all of these opportunities. He’s worked really hard to get to this point, and it was great to have him play with us this past season.” The native of Calgary, Alberta, is considered one of Canada’s top goaltenders in the 2000 birth year. “Carl was invited to Hockey Canada’s prestigious goalie development program, which is a really big deal,” Kim said. “That will be a great learning experience for him and another opportunity to gain valuable exposure at the highest levels of the game.” The Thunderbirds likewise have been pleased with Stankowski’s progress. “Carl was the top goalie at the Western Canada U16 tournament last fall,” Thunderbirds general manager Russ Farwell told the team’s official website. “We are excited to have him commit to our team and join us for next season. He has the potential to be a top WHL goaltender before long, and it will be fun to watch him grow as a player.” Seattle reached the WHL Championship series this past season.