Thunder Brings Back Steady Thibault

Wichita, KS (August 17th) - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, AHL's Bakersfield Condors and powered by Toyota, announced today the re-signing of defenseman Samuel Thibault (TEE-bow) for the 2018-19 season.

"Sam is a solid defenseman who may not be flashy, but is reliable, hard working and physical," stated Head Coach Malcolm Cameron. "He was an effective penalty killer last year and played the other team's top offensive players tough. We're excited to have Sam re-join us this season."

Thibault, 22, is coming off a solid rookie season where he led the Thunder in plus/minus (+10). The second-year defenseman appeared in 43 games, collecting nine assists. He also earned a call-up to the American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors.

"I enjoyed playing my first year as a professional in Wichita," commented Thibault. "I'm happy to come back for another season and hope to improve on what we did last year."

Prior to turning pro, Thibault played four seasons for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Baie-Comeau Drakkar. A native of Ste-Martine, Quebec, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound blueliner 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. In 2016-17, Thibault was selected as the team's captain and netted a career-best 21 points (6g, 25a) and 81 penalty minutes.

Opening Weekend is coming fast. Join us for a pair of games to kick off the 2018-19 campaign as the Idaho Steelheads come to INTRUST Bank Arena on October 12th and followed by the Allen Americans on October 13th.

Season tickets for the 2018-19 campaign are on sale now. Get your seats for just $15 per month. All it takes is a $1 down 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-