Thunder Re-Sign Hosmer; Add Two More

Wichita, KS (July 15th) - The Wichita Thunder, proud member of the ECHL and powered by Toyota, announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to terms with forwards Todd Hosmer and Anthony De Luca along with defenseman Tim Boyle for the upcoming 2015-16 season.

“These are three solid additions for us for next season,” commented McClelland. “Hosmer has the ability to score and brings a physical element to his game. De Luca had a terrific junior career and we hope he can translate that to the pro game. Tim is a big body on the back end who skates well and can add some offense for us on our blueline.”

Hosmer, 27, returns to Wichita for a second season after registering 43 points (22g, 21a) a year ago. A native of Scarborough, Ontario, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound forward won last year's Lewis Street Glass Rattler of the Year award, totaling a career-high 91 penalty minutes. Hosmer joined the Thunder after spending two seasons with the Mississippi RiverKings of the SPHL. He finished with 89 points (52g, 37a) in 81 career games and was named to the SPHL First All-Star Team in 2013-14 as he led the league in scoring with 37 goals. Entering his fourth season as a pro, Hosmer is eager to build off of last year's campaign.

“It's an honor to be back in a Wichita uniform this season,” he said. “I'm beyond excited and ready to give the Thunder fans something to cheer about. I can't wait for October!”

De Luca, 20, is set to make his pro debut after an impressive three-year career with Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL. The native of Rosemere, Quebec led the team in goals (44) and was second in points (91). He finished ninth in the league in scoring and tied for fifth in goals. In 202 career games with Rimouski, the 5-foot-8, 208-pound forward finished with 209 points (101g, 108a) and helped his team to a QMJHL Championship. De Luca also added 18 points (11g, 7a) in 19 playoff games highlighted by a hat trick, including the overtime game-winner, in a 4-3 overtime victory against Val-d'Or Foreurs during the semifinals.

“Anthony is excited to get going this upcoming season,” commented McClelland. “He plays with an edge and can also finish, which is something we need added to our lineup.”

Boyle, 22, enters his rookie season after playing last year for Endicott College (NCAA D-III). The Hingham, Massachusetts native was drafted in the fourth round (#106 overall) by the Ottawa Senators in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and is the younger brother of current Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brian Boyle. He attended Union College in 2012-13 and then went on to play a year of junior hockey with the South Shore Kings of the USPHL in 2013-14. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound defenseman has good size and is a skilled, puck moving defenseman that has the ability to jump into the rush.

“I want to start off by staying i am extremely excited and blessed to be given a shot by Coach McClelland and look forward to starting my pro career in Wichita,” commented Boyle. “i couldn't be more excited to be with the thunder and look forward to a great year with a great organization.”

Season tickets are on sale now. Don't delay! Call the Wichita Thunder office and visit with a season ticket rep today to learn more. Stay up-to-date on all the news during the off-season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com. About the ECHL

Began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 28 teams in 21 states and one Canadian province for its 28th season in 2015-16. There have been 569 players who have started their career in the ECHL have gone on to play in the National Hockey League, including 28 who made their NHL debuts in the 2014-15 season. The ECHL had affiliations with 29 of the 30 NHL teams in 2014-15, marking the 18th consecutive season that the league had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com.

-Thunder-