Hamonic Added to Thunder Blueline

Wichita, KS (July 14th) - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, AHL's Bakersfield Condors and powered by Toyota, announced today the signing of defenseman Justin Hamonic. "I'm looking forward to helping the Wichita Thunder be a successful team as well as further developing myself as a player," said Hamonic. "I've heard great things about the organization, facilities, fans, and the city of Wichita and can't wait to get down there, meet my teammates and start this season."

Hamonic, 23, spent the majority of last year with the Colorado Eagles, helping them to their first-ever Kelly Cup title. A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound blueliner played in four games for the Alaska Aces after his 20-year old Western Hockey League season concluded in 2014-15. In 2015-16, he signed a deal with the AHL's San Antonio Rampage and had his ECHL rights traded to the Fort Wayne Komets. In 50 games, he finished with eight points (1g, 7a) and also played in 14 playoff games for the Komets, recording two assists.

"Justin is a big solid stay at home defensemen with solid leadership qualities," commented Head Coach Malcolm Cameron. "He's been a captain and a part of a Kelly Cup winning team and we expect him to bring these experiences into our locker room this year. We are very excited to have Justin in a Thunder jersey."

Prior to turning pro, Hamonic played four years with the WHL's Tri-City Americans. He served as the captain during his final year and led the team with 95 penalty minutes. Hamonic had a career-high 18 assists, 19 points and was voted the team's Most Valuable Player and Defenseman of the Year.

For his career, he played in 255 games with the Americans, including 227 consecutive contests to finish his WHL career. He was widely considered as one of the top stay-at-home defensemen in the WHL's Western Conference.

The 26th season of Thunder hockey kicks off on Friday, October 13th against the Indy Fuel.

Season ticket packages are on sale now. Get your seats for just $15 per month. All it takes is a $50 deposit per seat to reserve yours today. To learn more, click here or contact a Thunder representative at the office today!

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-Thunder-