Safin Reassigned to Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. (March 15) - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers, American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors and powered by Toyota, announced today that forward Ostap Safin has been reassigned from Bakersfield to Wichita. Additionally, forward David Thomson has been released.

Safin, 23, returns to Wichita for the second time in his pro career. The Praha, Czechia native tallied 35 points (16g, 19a) during his rookie year in 2019-20. 

He began this season with the Condors and has five points (2g, 3a) in 27 games. Safin was drafted by the Oilers in the fourth round (#115 overall) during the 2017 NHL Draft. 

Prior to turning pro, Safin played two years in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the Saint John Sea Dogs and Halifax Mooseheads. In 2017-18, he netted 58 points (26g, 32a) in 61 games for the Sea Dogs, which was his best season during his junior career.

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound forward was also a member of the 2016-17 Hlinka Memorial Gold Medal Winning team for the Czech Republic.

Wichita heads to Allen on Wednesday, March 16 before returning home for back-to-back games on Thursday, March 17 and Friday, March 18.

Join us on Thursday night as we celebrate St. Hattrick's Day, presented by Wichita Furniture & Mattress, Nortons Brewing Company and Home Health & Hospice. The team will be wearing a special St. Patrick's Day themed-uniform that will be auctioned online on the DASH auction platform.

Fans can also participate in the Golden Goal promotion. Guess the exact time of the third Thunder goal for a chance at winning a full season ticket for the 2022-23 season. Forms will be handed out at the doors. Submit your entry at the EMC Fan Relations Table before puck drop.

On Friday night, Wichita will try to fend off the dark side as the Allen Americans come to town for Star Wars Night, presented by Wichita Youth Hockey Association. The Thunder will be wearing a special Star Wars-themed uniform that will be auctioned off live after the game with a portion of the proceeds benefiting WYHA.

Fans can also buy a Star Wars family-four pack. The offer includes four premium level tickets for March 18, two light sabers and an Urban Air jump pass for just $60 ($125 value)! Use code JEDI here or purchase through the Thunder office.

Friday is also Tear Up the Stigma and Mental Health Awareness Night. We've partnered with the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas to bring light to the importance of mental health and breaking the stigma surrounding it. This will occur during the second intermission after Chuck-a-Puck. Fans will be handed out paper to write down their fears, insecurities, doubts, or whatever else they feel like writing, then we will all rip up the paper at the same time and tear up the stigma.

Single game tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at the Wichita Thunder office located at 505 W. Maple, Suite 100, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On weekday game days, the Thunder office closes at 4 p.m. Click here to purchase online!

Fans can also purchase tickets at the Select-A-Seat Box Office at INTRUST Bank Arena Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and starting at noon on weekend game days.