Springfield, MA - The Springfield Thunderbirds announced today that they have signed defenseman Maxime Fortunus to a professional try-out.

 

The 5-foot-11, 202-pound Fortunus, 34, has skated in 828 AHL games in a professional career that stretches back to 2003-04. He has tallied 74 goals and 200 assists in his AHL career while posting a +30 rating.

 

Fortunus is a two-time AHL captain, as the veteran wore the "C" for the Texas Stars from 2012-2015 before taking over the captaincy for the Iowa Wild for one season in 2015-16.

 

Fortunus has a Calder Cup on his 14-year professional resume as well, helping to lead the Texas Stars to the franchise's first championship in 2013-14.

 

He last played in the AHL for Iowa last season, generating 15 points (4g, 11a) in 64 games. The native of La Prairie, QC was undrafted out of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar program in the QMJHL. Fortunus' number 18 is the only one ever to be retired by the Drakkar.

 

Fortunus will join the Thunderbirds as they embark on their lone morning game of the season on Wednesday - the T-Birds 101 School Day game against the Charlotte Checkers. Puck drop is set for 10:35 a.m. tomorrow at the MassMutual Center.

 

Springfield Thunderbirds fans are encouraged to visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com to learn more about Thunderbirds Season Ticket Memberships. Packages start at just $12 per game, and Thunderbirds Full Season Ticket Members receive the most benefits, including a refillable collector’s mug and a commemorative jersey. For more information or to order now, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.