ECHL: Wichita Thunder Sign Rookie Defenseman

Photo: University of Toronto

The Wichita Thunder announced yesterday the signing of their newest defenseman, Ryan Barbosa, 26. Barbosa joins the Thunder after finishing his collegiate hockey career at the University of Toronto. He played in a total of 45 games regular season games and 8 playoff games. He ended his career at Toronto with 25 points (5 goals and 20 assists).

Before the University of Toronto, Barbosa was at the University of Windsor. There, Barbosa participated in 44 regular season games and three playoff games. In total, he had 26 points (8 goals and 18 assists). During the 2021-22 season, Barbosa was named the Sports OUA West Defenseman of the Year and also received OUA West First All-Star Team honors. Barbosa was an alternate captain for the Windsor Lancers.

Before college, Barbosa spent played for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Halifax Mooseheads in the 2017-18 season, participating in 38 games. Following that, he joined the Mississauga Steelheads, playing 62 games and racked up 18 points.

Barbosa is from Mississauga, Ontario.

The Wichita Thunder are currently ranked seventh in the ECHL’s Mountain Division. The Thunder play Friday, April 5, against the Tulsa Oilers in the BOK Center at 7:05 p.m.


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