WICHITA, Kan. (Sept. 18) – The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's San Jose Sharks, AHL's San Jose Barracuda and powered by Toyota, announced today that the team has signed netminder Yaroslav Korostelev and forward Antoine Guignard to ECHL Standard Player agreements for the 2026-27 season.
Having competed at the highest levels in their home countries, Antoine and Yaroslav are excited to bring their talents to North America," commented Head Coach Travis Clayton. "The coaching staff welcomes them as they take this next step in their careers and demonstrate their capabilities on North American ice."
Korostelev, 21, recently terminated his contract with third-division MHL SKA-1946 St. Petersburg in Russia. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound netminder was drafted by the Sharks in round 7 (#194 overall) of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
Last year, he played in 20 games, going 14-5-0 with a 2.22 goals-against average and .917 save percentage. A native of St. Petersburg, Russia, Korostelev had a career year in 2024-25, going 20-3-0 in 27 starts with a 153 goals-against average and .936 save percentage.
Guignard, 22, has played the majority of his time in Switzerland. A native of Geneva, Switzerland, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward played 38 games for EHC Arosa, tallying 15 points (6g, 9a). Overall, he has 25 points (11g, 14a) in 82 career games in the Swiss League.
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.
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