Rookie Thibault Signs in Wichita

Wichita, KS (Sept. 12th) - 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 Samuel Thibault (TEE-bow).

"I'm really proud to be coming to Wichita and play for the Thunder," commented Thibault. " I'm excited to be turning pro and can't wait to start playing."

Thibault, 21, turns pro after playing the last four seasons for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Baie-Comeau Drakkar. A native of Ste-Martine, Quebec, the 6-foot-1, 201-pound blueliner has amassed 284 penalty minutes to go along with 50 points (10g, 40a) in 207 career games. He served as an alternate captain in 2015-16 and collected a career-high 134 penalty minutes. Last year, Thibault was selected as the team's captain and netted a career-best 21 points (6g, 25a) and 81 penalty minutes.

"Sam is a rugged, stay-at-home defenseman that plays hard each and every night," stated Head Coach Malcolm Cameron. "He's not afraid to stick up for his teammates and was captain of his team last season. I look forward to seeing him in camp."

He becomes the 19th player announced this offseason and joins Matt DeBlouw, Dyson Stevenson, Jeremy Beaudry, Travis Ewanyk, Etienne Boutet, Justin Hamonic, Istvan Sofron, Louick Marcotte, Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin, Justin Crandall, Jamie Doornbosch, Matt Tipoff, Gerrad Grant, Shaquille Merasty, Alex Miner-Barron, Joel Rumpel, Guillaume Lepine and Mark MacMillan on the roster.

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!

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-Thunder-