For second straight season, Wichita Thunder will be affiliate for NHL’s San Jose Sharks
The Wichita Thunder announced Friday afternoon the minor-league hockey organization has extended its affiliation agreement with the NHL’s San Jose Sharks for the 2023-24 season.
As an affiliate of San Jose for the second straight year, Wichita will be able to receive designated players within the Sharks development system for assignment. The Thunder will also feature players who are signed to two-way AHL contracts with the San Jose Barracuda.
“We’re happy to be back with San Jose for another season,” Thunder general manager Joel T. Lomurno said in a release. “We had some good young prospects come through here last year and with San Jose’s deep talent pool, we look forward to seeing some exciting new players in a Thunder uniform this season.”
Five players from the Sharks organization appeared with the Thunder last year, including Zachary Emond, Dillon Hamaliuk, Timur Ibragimov, Mark Liwiski and Mitchell Russell. Hamaliuk and Russell are still with the organization.
“Having a solid affiliation in the ECHL is important to our player-development plan and the ECHL has a solid track record with preparing prospects for their NHL and AHL careers,” Sharks assistant general manager Joe Will said in a release.
San Jose is the third NHL partner for the Thunder since joining the ECHL, as Wichita has previously worked with the Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers.
“I’m really excited to be working with San Jose for another season,” Thunder coach Bruce Ramsay said in a release. “Last year we saw some talented players that came from their system and I enjoyed helping develop them so they can reach their dream of playing in the NHL. We look forward to growing our partnership and working together to ensure success at each level for all three teams.”
This story was originally published July 14, 2023 at 11:37 AM.
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