Team MVP Brayden Watts headlines players set to return to Wichita Thunder this season
The Wichita Thunder are officially bringing back their most effective player from last season, as the franchise announced the resigning of Brayden Watts for the 2023-24 season on Friday.
The 24-year-old forward is set for his fourth season in Wichita after setting career-high marks in goals (23), assists (40) and points (63) in 50 games last year. He was selected as the team’s MVP and represented the Thunder at the ECHL All-Star Classic.
Another key player returning to the Thunder roster will be forward Jay Dickman, who will once again serve as a player and assistant coach under Bruce Ramsay. Dickman is also coming off a career-best season, tallying 26 goals and 35 assists for 61 points last season.
“Jay has been a pleasure to coach since he came to Wichita,” Ramsay said in a statement. “He has become a leader in the dressing room and has increased his numbers each year since we acquired him from Indy. I’m looking forward to having him take another step in his development.”
With hopes of retooling the team’s attack, the Thunder have also brought in outside signing Aaron Miller, a 27-year-old forward who has had success in his two years as a pro in Europe.
Miller finished with 27 goals and 27 assists in 52 games his debut season in Finland, while he registered 13 goals and 12 assists in 31 games played in France this past season.
“I’m really excited to have Aaron coming to Wichita,” Ramsay said in a statement. During his first two years as a pro, he put up big numbers and has proven that he’s going to be an elite player in the ECHL. He creates offense that we like and has had success in two really solid leagues over in Europe. His familiarity with Jay Dickman will also help his transition back to the U.S. We’re glad to have him here.”
Forward Peter Bates, who was named the team’s Most Improved Player after netting 22 goals and 18 assists, has also announced his plans to return to the team. Other announced signings include forward Jason Pineo, forward Brett Boeing, and defenseman Xavier Pouliot.
Other players the Thunder have extended qualifying offers to, but have not announced their signings, are defensemen Austin Crossley, Dominic Dockery and Cole MacDonald and forwards Kelly Bent, Gavin Gould, Quinn Preston and Michal Stinil.
Other players who were selected on Wichita’s season-ending roster finalized in June and have yet to be announced as returning are goaltenders Roman Basran and Trevor Gorsuch, defenseman Zack Hoffman and forwards Dillon Boucher, Logan Fredericks, Carson Rose and Jake Wahlin.
