Oilers Assign Starrett; Six Signed to Tryout Agreements

Wichita, KS (Oct. 1st) - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers and AHL's Bakersfield Condors, announced several transactions today. Goaltender Shane Starrett has been assigned by the Oilers. The team also signed six players to tryout agreements, which include Jeremy Brodeur, Igor Nomokonoc, Dave Williams, Vytal Cote, Tyler VanKleef and Eric Spath. Starrett, 23, is coming off a spectacular season at the Air Force Academy where he went 26-6-4 with a goals-against average of 1.99 and a 925 save percentage. A native of Bellingham, Massachutes, the 6-foot-5, 195-pound netminder helped lead the Falcons to a top-15 finish nationally and the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament. The sophomore leaves Air Force after signing a contract this past April with the Oilers. As a freshman, he ranked 11th in the nation with a 1.92 goals-against average and fourth best in save percentage (924).

Brodeur, 20, turns pro after playing the last three seasons for the Ontario Hockey League's Oshawa Generals. A native of Essex Falls, New Jersey, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound netminder is the son of former NHL star Martin Brodeur. During his overage year, he was nominated as a finalist for both overage and goalie of the year as well as the Red Tilson Trophy given to the Most Outstanding Player of the Year in the OHL. Last season, he went 33-14-2 with a 2.84 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage.

Williams, 27, played last season for the Southern Professional Hockey League's Evansville Thunderbolts. In 54 games, he notched 38 points (21g, 17a). The third-year forward from Okotoks, Alberta played his rookie campaign for the Huntsville Havoc in 2015-16 and recorded 12 points (4g, 8a) in 32 games.

Cote, 21, was also a member of the SPHL's Evansville Thunderbolts. The second-year defenseman from Hollywood, Florida collected nine points (1g, 8a) in 40 games.

VanKleef, 25, turns pro after playing a four-year career at Curry College (NCAA DIII). The Dundas, Ontario native had a solid senior season, recording 30 points (15g, 15a). He joined the South Carolina Stingrays

Spath, 21, turns pro after playing the last two seasons for the Western States Hockey League's Wichita Junior Thunder. He helped lead the team to a Thorne Cup title and was also selected to the WSHL Playoffs All-Star Team. The Hemse, Sweden native went 12-5-2 in 27 games with a 2.97 goals-against average.

To view the full roster that we have announced this summer, click here.

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

Individual tickets for all games are on sale now. Season tickets are still available for purchase. 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!

Tickets are on sale now for our exhibition game against the Tulsa Oilers. Join us on Saturday, October 7th for a double header as the Junior Thunder takes on the Cheyenne Stampede at 4 p.m. followed by the Thunder and Oilers. Tickets are just $10 and can only be purchased through the Thunder office. Call (316) 264-4625 to get yours today!

Follow along with us on our social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter (@wichita_thunder), Snapchat (wichthunder), Instagram (Wichita_Thunder) and LinkedIn.

-Thunder-