Jeffrey Lutz breaks down the Thunder hockey team (Oct. 15)

Offense

Scoring, for most of the summer, seemed to be the area least addressed by Thunder coach Kevin McClelland. Then he added forwards Joey Sides and Michael Neal just before training camp, and now Wichita seems to have some offensive depth. Danick Gauthier led the Thunder in scoring with 68 points, but Ian Lowe is the only other returner who topped 43. A full season from Kenton Miller, who missed 14 games, would help, as could the additions of Neal, Sides and rookies Mason Baptista and Anthony Deluca. Todd Hosmer returns following his 43-point season, which tied Miller for fourth on the team.

Defense

The Thunder’s 244 goals allowed was eighth-worst in the 28-team ECHL. Goal prevention was treated as a priority during the offseason, and Wichita emerged with the additions of Brandon Martell from Evansville and Theo Peckham, who was the Thunder’s captain before departing in December to play overseas. Peckham’s return is good news for Dan Milan, who had immediate chemistry in his pairing with Peckham. Dalton Reum played well as an in-season acquisition. Wichita probably won’t have a defensemen to match the 50 points Mike Wilson left behind, as defense appears to be the preference for a group of six that includes newcomers Ryan Ruikka and Andrew Blazek.

Goaltending

David Shantz hasn’t played professionally since 2010-11, when he logged a career-best 25 wins in the ECHL. He may split time early with Grant Rollheiser, who had a 2.63 goals-against average in 13 games after being acquired from Brampton. The Thunder’s top two goalies from the start of last season, Tim Boron and Tyler Bunz, both departed.

This story was originally published October 15, 2015 at 4:40 PM with the headline "Jeffrey Lutz breaks down the Thunder hockey team (Oct. 15)."