Prescott Valley, AZ - The 2008 Central Hockey League Ray Miron President's Cup Champion Arizona Sundogs today announced they have acquired the rights to defenseman Mathieu Wathier from the Wichita Thunder.

The acquisition of Wathier completes the trade that sent goaltender Bill Zaniboni to the Thunder in exchange for future considerations on Jan. 29.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound defenseman appeared in all 64 regular season games for the Thunder, setting career-highs in goals (5), assists (9) and penalty minutes (97). Prior to skating with the Thunder, the Les Couteaux, Quebec, native played his first three pro seasons in the United Hockey League. In 144 games with the Danbury Trashers, Elmira Jackals, Kalamazoo Wings and Quad City Mallards, Wathier registered seven goals, 20 assists and 153 penalty minutes (PIM).

Prior to turning pro, the 24-year-old Wathier played five seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), splitting time between the Victoriaville Tigres, Sherbrooke Beavers and Moncton Wildcats. In 308 junior contests, Wathier recorded 32 goals, 45 assists and 290 PIM.

The Sundogs plan to announce their first player signings for the 2008-09 season in the coming weeks.