Vanier brings size, physical play to Wichita

Wichita, Kan. - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators, announced the signing of rookie defenseman Alexis Vanier for the 2016-17 season.

Vanier, 20, begins his pro career after spending the last four years in the QMJHL with Baie-Comeau, Sherbrooke, Blainville-Boisbriand and Charlottetown. In 233 career games, he collected 96 points (30g-66a) to go along with 224 penalty minutes. His best season came in 2013-14 with Baie-Comeau when he recorded 36 points (15g-21a) in 61 games.

A native of St-Constant, Quebec, Vanier was drafted in the fourth round by the San Jose Sharks (102nd overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He was selected as a QMJHL All-Star in 2013-14.