Brian Liesse

Horon showcases skillset at Seattle’s training camp

Seattle Thunderbirds General Manager Bil La Forge was looking into a trade with the Lethbridge Hurricanes last season that would send 19-year-old goalie Liam Hughes over to the Central Division contender last January. There was a player the ‘Canes had that La Forge was familiar with and was interested in bringing over.

Ultimately, La Forge acquired 2000-born forward Keltie Jeri-Leon and 2001-born forward Michael Horon for his experienced netminder.

Horon was not playing with the WHL’s Hurricanes as they went all-in with a highly-touted bevy of NHL-signed forwards. Thus, he was probably overlooked by many in the deal.

After setting fire to the Thunderbirds camp and leading the camp tournament with 13 points, he should be overlooked no more.

Michael Horon (Lethbridge Midget AAA)

The speedy native of Lethbridge was originally drafted by the Everett Silvertips. This is his third organization in the WHL, though he did not play a regular-season game until right after the trade, when he played in Regina for Seattle.

“Mike is another guy I drafted in Everett. I’ve known Mike for a long time. He’s always scored. He’s always put up points,” La Forge said.

Horon piled up 61 points in 30 games last season for the Lethbridge Hurricanes of Alberta’s Midget AAA league.

The thing that has impressed many at Seattle’s camp is Horon’s speed. He showcased that often, contributing to his five goals and eight assists.

“I like to use my speed and create offense with it. I like to score,” Horon said.

La Forge agrees and thinks his offensive traits could lead to some unexpected offense for Seattle.

“Sometimes, it doesn’t look like he’s going that fast, but he wins races. I’m a big Michael Horon fan. I think, given an opportunity, there could be some undiscovered goal-scoring in our league there,” La Forge relayed.

Horon, who has made the trip out to the Pacific Northwest twice before while with Everett, has been impressed with his teammates and the organization.

“Seattle is a first-class organization. When I got traded there, I was really excited. I was obviously excited to come here and start the season. We have a great, young core here, and I can’t wait to get started,” Horon said.

Michael Horon (photo-Brian Liesse)

Horon also sang the praises of some of the older players on the team, who have embraced him.

“It’s been great. I am billeted with Jaxon Kaluski, and the guys here really invite you into their team. That has helped,” he stated.

Horon won both an AMBHL title with the Lethbridge Golden Hawks Bantam AAA team and an AMHL title with the Hurricanes Midget AAA team. Having been around those championship teams, Horon knows what it takes to win.

“It takes sacrifice and all 20 guys on the same page. If you don’t put in a full team effort, you aren’t going to win. It teaches you how important your team is and a team-first mentality,” Horon said.

After winning at the highest level, putting up over two points-per-game last season with the Hurricanes Midget AAA team and leading the camp in scoring, Horon now sets his sights on making the Thunderbirds out of camp and keeping his production going in the WHL.