WICHITA, Kan. – The early trend for free-agency this year (and most years, really) in the ECHL is for teams to re-sign players before qualifying offers are issued.

The Wichita Thunder continued the trend Thursday, announcing their third player signing of the 2020 offseason, all returning players from a season ago. Peter Crinella, one of the team’s top rookies, has re-signed with the club for his second pro season.

Crinella battled through injury issues and early healthy scratches to become one of Ramsay’s most relied upon players. He was on pace to finish with 26 goals when the season abruptly ended because of the Coronavirus. Still, his 19 lamplighters led all Thunder rookies and were tied for the 12th most among rookies in the league when play was halted in mid-March. His five power-play goals, three game-winning goals, and a +1 rating proved to the Thunder coaching staff he’s a valuable asset in any situation. He earned team Rookie of the Year honors in the season-ending awards.

“I’m excited to have Peter back for another season,” commented Head Coach Bruce Ramsay. “Peter is an extremely versatile player who had a good season for us last year. I expect him to take that next step and play in every situation for us this coming season.”

Last season, Crinella was one of seven Thunder players to attend Bakersfield Condors training camp. A native of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound forward appeared in 129 games for the Crusaders, notching 48 points (21g, 27a). He had his highest goal total of his collegiate career in 2018-19, scoring seven times and finishing with 15 points in 35 games. He was offered a scholarship to Holy Cross as a high school sophomore at Cathedral High School.

Crinella joins forwards Spencer Dorowicz and Jay Dickman as those who have re-signed for next season.
Additional signings are expected to be announced next week.

Keep track of all the signings and movement during the 2020 ECHL offseason by visiting our ECHL Transactions page!