Odessa Defenseman Thornton makes NCAA Commitment

The Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Henry Thornton has committed to play NCAA hockey for the University of New England in the CNE.

The 5-foot-11 blueliner from Pennsylvania, Thornton, will head to Biddeford, Maine, to skate with the Nor’easters this upcoming fall. Thornton is a second-year veteran of the Jackalopes, skating 84 career games with the Texas-based team. The ‘05 skater laced up in 54 games in his age-out season, recording 21 points from the blue line. He lit the lamp on seven occasions and logged 14 assists during his 2025-26 campaign. In addition, one of his tallies was scored in power-play fashion for Odessa. Thornton was one of the leading scorers amongst defenseman on the Jackalopes. He is tied for first with 21 points this past season.

In his debut year in the League of Opportunity, Thornton recorded seven points in his 30 games played for Odessa. The 5-foot-11 lefty scored two goals and notched five assists in that span.

In his NAHL career, Thornton produced 28 points across 84 games played in a Jackalopes sweater.

The University of New England Nor’easters have made four NCAA Tournament appearances in the last five years. 

Thornton is one of seven members of the Odessa Jackalopes to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list