Wichita Thunder Wichita Thunder
Schedule
Get Tickets

Search

Search Wichita Thunder Site

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Thunder Inks Veteran Forward Wade Murphy
Tuesday, August 25th

Thunder Inks Veteran Forward Wade Murphy

Thunder Inks Veteran Forward Wade Murphy

WICHITA, Kan. (August 25) – The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's San Jose Sharks, AHL's San Jose Barracuda and powered by Toyota, announced today the signing of veteran forward Wade Murphy for the 2026-27 season. 

"Adding a proven goal scorer like Wade Murphy is a major win for our organization," commented Head Coach Travis Clayton. "He brings a high skill set and valuable veteran leadership that will make an immediate impact on our roster both on and off the ice."

Murphy, 32, split last season between Greensboro and Greenville. A native of Victoria, British Columbia, the 6-foot, 195-pound forward tallied 25 points (12g, 13a) in 59 games between the two teams.

The veteran forward is entering his 11th season as a pro. Murphy appeared in his 400th game on November 15 against Tahoe. He turned pro in 2017-18, splitting time with Worcester and Greenville. Murphy has made stops in Maine, Kalamazoo and Idaho in North America while also playing overseas in Norway, Slovenia and Slovakia. 

In 2023, Murphy helped lead the Steelheads to the Kelly Cup Finals. He recorded 43 points (21g, 22a) in 54 games during the regular season and 20 points (12g, 8a) 20 playoff games, which led all scorers during the postseason in points and goals. Overall, Murphy has recorded 209 points (86g, 123a) in 315 ECHL contests.  

Prior to turning pro, he played four years in the British Columbia Hockey League with Victoria and Penticton, racking up 181 points (69g, 112a) in 172 games. Murphy led the Vees to a sweep of the 2012 BCHL Doyle Cup and RBC Cup Championship.

After a spectacular 2012-13 campaign where he amassed 70 points (23g, 47a) in 50 games, he was drafted by the Nashville Predators in round 7 (#185 overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. 

Murphy went on to play his college career at the University of North Dakota before transferring to Arizona State. In 2016-17, Murphy recorded 20 points (9g, 11a) in 31 games for the Sun Devils. 

The schedule for the 2026-27 season is out, and we are counting down the days until Opening Night! Join us on Saturday, October 17 as we host the Tahoe Knight Monsters and help us celebrate our 35th anniversary season. Contact us today for more information by clicking HERE.

Season tickets are now on sale for the 2026-27 season. Lock in your seat for all of our 36 home games and catch all the action as we head into our 35th anniversary season. Click HERE to learn more and request a call.

Best Body Shop
Toyota
San Jose Barracuda
San Jose Sharks