Deluca inks deal with 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 Anthony Deluca for the 2018-19 season.

Deluca, 23, returns to North America after playing a year overseas in Denmark for Frederikshavn White Hawks. The Rosemere, Quebec native registered 39 points (15g-24a) in 47 games last season.

He makes his return to Wichita, where he turned pro in 2015-16. Deluca tallied six points (1g-5a) in 16 games for the Thunder before being dealt to the Alaska Aces where he finished his rookie campaign with 20 points (7g-13a) in 46 games.

Deluca left the pro ranks in 2016-17, attending Concordia University in Canada. He earned several honors, including the Clare Drake Award given to the CIS Rookie of the Year, CIS All-Rookie Team, CIS (OUA East) Rookie of the Year and CIS (OUA East First All-Star Team. In 28 games, he potted 43 points (24g-19a) to lead the Stingers.

Prior to turning pro, he had an impressive three-year career with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Rimouski Oceanic. Deluca led the team in goals (44) and was second in points (91) in 2014-15. He finished ninth in the league in scoring and tied for fifth in goals. In 202 career games with Rimouski, he finished with 209 points (101g-108a) and helped his team to a QMJHL championship. Deluca also added 18 points (11g-7a) in 19 playoff games.