Thunder Acquires Defenseman From Reading

WICHITA, Kan. (Dec. 4) - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, AHL's Bakersfield Condors and powered by Toyota, announced today that the team has acquired defenseman Jacob Graves from the Reading Royals. This completes one of the two future considerations that are owed to Wichita as a part of the Ralph Cuddemi trade before the season.

Graves, 24, is currently in his fourth year as a pro. A native of Barrie, Ontario, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound blueliner adds an element of physicality to the Thunder back-end. He turned pro in 2016-17, playing in 19 games with the American Hockey League's Cleveland Monsters. He also played in nine games that season for the Cincinnati Cyclones. In 2017-18, he appeared in 23 games for the Monsters as well as 24 games for the Quad City Mallards. Overall, he has played in 138 professional games, collecting 23 points (9g, 14a) and 193 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning pro, Graves played five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with Mississauga, Kingston, Oshawa and London. In 2015-16, he won a Memorial Cup with the London Knights. Overall, he saw action in 281 junior games, potting 42 points (3g, 39a) and racked up 452 penalty minutes.

The Thunder will return to action at 7:05 p.m. on Friday night with a trip to Independence to take on the Kansas City Mavericks.

Wichita returns home at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday night to host the Tulsa Oilers for Military Appreciation Night. Come help us honor our military as the team will wear a special uniform. The name of the team will be changed for one game to the Wichita Pegasus to help honor McConnell Air Force Base. Buy Tickets here.

The Thunder are excited to be the host of the 2020 Warrior Hockey/ECHL All-Star Classic, presented by Toyota, on Wednesday January 22, 2020. Get your tickets now for the league's annual showcase that features some of the best young talent across the ECHL by clicking here.

Season tickets for the 2019-20 season are on sale now. Get your seats for just $34 per month. All it takes is a $1 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-