Thilthorpe, Ben

BORN AUGUST 20TH, 1978 in Adelaide, his father James was co-founder of the Adelaide Avalanche in 1999 with Steve Oddy. Thilthorpe was a young winger who played for the Blackhawks in the local league and was A-grade MVP in the 1998 premiership team, then again in 2003. He went on to play 139 games for the Avalanche and the A's, averaging 1.2 points per game (86 goals, 76 assists).

He attended the Banff Hockey Academy in Alberta Canada and surprised everyone in the Avs first season, not only finishing equal second on points with Greg Oddy, but also equal top on goals with Trevor Walsh. He was just 20 years-old but a fan favourite who combined strength and a terrific work ethic to power his way through opponents. His younger brother also played on the team. He won Goodall Cups with the Avs in 2000 and 2001.

The 1999 season was also his first in green and gold at the D-Pool Worlds. He eventually totaled 32 games in seven World Championships — 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004 to 2006 and 2011. He scored 9 goals 11 assists from 32 international games and won four IIHF Division 2 medals — gold in Melbourne, silver in Zagreb, bronze in Jaca and Auckland. He graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2005, and started the law firm Barbaro Thilthorpe where he practices as defence counsel in a wide range of criminal matters.