Second Year Forward Tipoff Added to Thunder Roster

Wichita, KS (August 9th) - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, AHL's Bakersfield Condors and powered by Toyota, announced today the signing of forward Matt Tipoff for the 2017-18 season. "I'm very excited to have signed in Wichita and to be coming back to North American hockey," commented Tipoff. "I've never played for a team in the states, and have heard good things about the city and organization. Malcolm and I don't know each other yet, but do have some connection through our hockey past in Atlantic Canada. I'm looking forward to working with him and bringing the best out of my game this year. My training this summer has been going great. I've started to ramp it up and have been skating a lot more with only a few months left."

Tipoff, 26, returns to North America after playing his rookie season for the EIHL's Edinburgh Capitals. The Toronto, Ontario native recorded 32 points (11g, 21a) in 47 games. He also appeared in 10 games in the EIHL Cup Tournament, tallying five points (3g, 2a).

Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot, 185-pound forward attended Saint Mary's University (CIS) where he was a teammate of current Thunder defenseman Jamie Doornbosch. During his five-year collegiate career, he collected 116 points (33g, 83a) in 120 games and served as an alternate captain during his final season in 2015-16.

"Matt came highly recommended by his former teammates and coaches that I know well," said Head Coach Malcolm Cameron. "He is a skilled playmaker, has good vision and patience with the puck. We're excited to have him join us this season."

Tipoff played his junior hockey for the Ontario Hockey League's Belleville Bulls and Kitchener Rangers. He spent his first four seasons in Belleville before being traded to Kitchener during the 2009-10 campaign. In 2010-11, he was an alternate captain and finished fourth on the team in scoring, recording 60 points (25g, 35a) in 66 games. Overall, he recorded 180 points (65g, 115a) in 316 games in the OHL.

Tipoff becomes the 12th 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 and Jamie Doornbosch on the roster.

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

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