The Portage Terriers' bolstered their blue line with a great addition to the roster yesterday.

Defenseman Jordan Thomson made his debut for the club at yesterday's practice at the PCU Centre. The 20-year-old defenseman won the WHL Championship with the Brandon Wheat Kings last year, with an added appearance at the Memorial Cup to close out his 2015-16 hockey season. Thomson outlines how he ended up in Portage.

"I had a great time in Brandon. It was an awesome experience and I got a great outcome, it just wasn't in the cards for me to go back this year. I wasn't originally going to play hockey, but I ended up coming here and I couldn't be happier."

The 5'11'', 190 pound defenseman had 12 points in 46 games with the Wheat Kings last season, and 2 points in 21 playoff games. He says explains his style of play was a little different than normal last year, which helped his overall play.

"I'd say I'm more of an offensive defenseman. Last year in Brandon I took more of a defensive role with James Shearer, so that really helped my all around game. I like the powerplay, and I like to put the puck in the back of the net."

Thomson knows he'll be looked upon as a leader in the room, and on the ice, especially with his junior hockey resume. "That's not something that every kid gets," admits Thomson. "For me coming to this dressing room as a 20-year-old I look to make it easier for the younger guys, and lead us to another championship."

Terriers' Head Coach Blake Spiller says he's a player the younger defensemen can learn a lot from. "He's played over 200 games in the Western League, and he obviously won a championship with the Wheat Kings last year. So we'll definitely look for him and Riley Thiessen to lead our younger guys back there."

Thomson will be suiting up for the Terriers' first game of the year in Virden Friday night.