Tomo (Tommy) Hafner, a 6-foot, 195-pound center, has signed a contract to become the first player from Slovenia to don a PrairieThunder sweater, Bloomington coach Jarrod Skalde announced Tuesday.

The 28-year-old Hafner, born in Jesenice, Yugoslavia, is a nine-year veteran of professional hockey. He has played his entire career in Slovenian, International and Austrian leagues in Europe. He has spent eight seasons with Acroni Jesenice, the highest-level league in Austria.

"Tommy impressed me with his work ethic and the way he competes," said Skalde, who played on the same team as Hafner last year. "I'm excited that we were able to acquire a guy who has played at the highest level of international competition. He has played in the last three world championships, most recently in Quebec City against Team Canada and Team USA.

"I'm confident he can compete very well in our league and be a key contributor for us. Tommy plays a North American style of game, which will fit in nicely on our team."

Before beginning camp with the PrairieThunder in October, Hafner will participate in the Peoria Rivermen training camp. The Rivermen are the top minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Blues in the National Hockey League.

Hafner has played in 360 professional games, including 31 games for Team Slovenia in World Championship action. He has scored 90 goals and had 102 assists for 192 points.

The left-handed shooting Hafner began his professional career in 1999-2000 with Jesenice. He has played the last two seasons in the Austrian League.

Per team policy, terms of the contracts for Hafner were not released.