Second-year forward Schmalz joins Wichita

Wichita, Kan. - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors, announced the signing of forward Matt Schmalz for the 2018-19 season.

Schmalz, 22, had a solid rookie year last season for the Manchester Monarchs. He was assigned to Manchester in late October by the AHL's Ontario Reign and notched 40 points (23g-17a) in 59 games for the Monarchs. A native of Dunnville, Ontario, Schmalz was selected in the fifth round (134th overall) by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

Prior to turning pro, Schmalz logged 308 career games in the Ontario Hockey League between Kitchener, Sudbury and Owen Sound. He finished his junior career in 2016-17 with the Owen Sound Attack, notching 31 points (16g-15a) in 62 games. He made his AHL debut with the Reign on March 30, 2016 against the San Jose Barracuda and scored his first professional goal on April 16 against San Diego.