WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita Thunder announced the signing of rookies Nick Farmer and Louie Rowe on Tuesday afternoon. This announcement adds to the host of young players joining the Thunder squad.
Farmer consistently brings a physical presence to the ice. While wearing the captain’s ‘C’ last year at Niagara University, he played in 41 games and recorded ten points (4G+6A).
Farmer played in a total of 139 game during his collegiate career at Niagara, this following a consistent youth career for the NAHL’s Wichita Falls Wildcats from 2012 to 2015. His final two seasons with the Wildcats included 26 (12G+14A) and 53 (23G+30A) point efforts.
As for Rowe, where he lacks in speed, he makes up for in serious size, standing 6’6″ and weighing over 230 lbs. He passes the puck well despite putting up lower numbers.
In his four years at Arizona State, he appeared in 69 games, 64 of them being in his sophomore and junior years. During this time, he was an assistant captain and tallied 24 points (9G+15A).
Rowe spent nine games with the Maine Mariners last year, but did not see much ice time.

“I know we’re big,” Wichita Thunder Head coach Bruce Ramsay said about the look of the current team. “I really like the enthusiasm the guys are bringing in.”

While both of the signees are forwards, neither will rack up points in bunches. Expect Farmer to add a nice blend of physicality and speed, as he will likely play a nice defensive role in an offensive position. As for Rowe, expect him to be the hard-hitting enforcer Wichita Thunder fans know and love.
Wichita has a nice supply of young forwards following these two additions. While it is still uncertain the impact some of these young players can make initially, there is much room to grow under the direction of ECHL veteran Chris Crane and player/assistant coach Stefan Fournier.
You can follow Matthew Harding and Matthew Will on Twitter (@SinBinThunder) and stay caught up on the offseason signings across the ECHL by visiting our transactions page.