ECHL: Wichita Thunder and San Jose Sharks Extend Affiliation

The Wichita Thunder and San Jose Sharks have signed a one-year extension to their current affiliation agreement. This deal will carry them through the 2025-26 season. This will be the fourth straight season that the Wichita Thunder have been affiliated with the Sharks and Barracuda. Wichita had ten players on their roster last season that we’re on AHL or NHL deals.

Goalies Who Spent Time in Wichita and San Jose

Last season, Wichita had two goaltenders who spent time at both the ECHL and AHL levels. Aaron Dell, who’s played in 130 career NHL games, made his first ECHL appearance since the 2014-15 season when he played with the Allen Americans. Dell began the season in Wichita, where he put up a 6-6-1 record with a 2.91 GAA and 914 SV% in 13 games. He would then get called up to the AHL in December, where he would spend the rest of the 2024-25 season. During his time with the Barracuda, he went 3-3-3 with a 3.73 GAA and .890 SV%. Dell has yet to sign a contract for the 2025-26 season.

“We’re happy to keep our partnership with San Jose going,” stated Thunder GM Joel T. Lomurno. “We saw some solid talent come through Wichita last season. I’m looking forward to seeing those guys take the next step and excited to see what new players we can develop this season!”
Witchita Thunder Genral Manager Joel. T. Lomurno on the affiliation agreement (via Wichita Thunder Press Release)

Gabriel Carriere bounced between Wichita and San Jose (AHL) in his first full professional season, following his pro debut with the Barracuda at the end of the 2023-24 season. In 25 games with the Thunder, he went 14-9-2 with a 2.60 GAA, .922 SV%, and three shutouts. In 22 games with the Barracuda, he went 10-9-3 with a 3.06 GAA, .894SV%, and two shutouts. He also made one appearance in the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs. Carriere has signed a one-year deal with the Sharks for the 2025-26 season. Carriere will likely see a lot more time at the AHL level this season.

Skaters Who Saw Time in Wichita and San Jose

Defenseman Braden Haché is probably one of the more notable names who made his way up to the Barracuda last season. The 22-year-old defenseman began the season with the Barracuda, where he put up two assists in five games before being sent down to Wichita. During his time with the Thunder, he had two goals and 14 assists for 16 points in 33 games before finishing the year in the AHL. In 32 games with San Jose (AHL) last year, Haché had three goals and seven assists for 10 points. He would also play in six Calder Cup Playoff games with the Barracuda. Haché signed a one-year deal with the Barracuda for the 2025-26 season.

“I’m excited to be back with San Jose for another season,” said Thunder Head Coach Bruce Ramsay. “Last year, I was able to work with some talented players that lived out their dreams as they continue to pursue a chance to play in the NHL. It was a pleasure to help develop guys like Gabriel Carriere and Braden Hache, who both signed second contracts with the organization. I’m proud of Gabe, who really improved his game and earned an NHL contract with the Sharks and equally as proud with Braden, who is back with the Barracuda. I’m happy with the progress of several other players who spent a significant amount of time here. We look forward to growing our partnership and working together to ensure success at each level for all three teams.”
Wichita Thunder Head Coach Bruce Ramsey on the affilation extension (via Wichita Thunder Press Release)

Forwards Mitchell Russell and Luke Grainger also saw time at both the ECHL and AHL levels; however, both have signed elsewhere for the 2025-26 season. Russell signed an ECHL deal with the Savannah Ghost Pirates, and Luke Grainger signed an AHL deal with the Toronto Marlies.