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Wichita adds trio of forwards

Wichita adds trio of forwards

Wednesday, July 3rd

Wichita, Kan. - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors, announced that the team has signed forwards Fabrizio Ricci, John Carpino and Matthew Whittaker for the 2019-20 season.

Ricci, 24, returns to North America after playing last season for the Elite Ice Hockey League's Dundee Stars. A native of Toronto, Ontario, he potted 39 points (17g-22a) in 60 games this past year and was named Player of the Year during the team's End of Year Awards. The third-year forward began his pro career in France with Cergy, where he tallied 39 points (11g-28a) in 26 games.

Prior to turning pro, Ricci played two seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for Blainville-Boisbriand and Baie-Comeau. He tallied 74 points (32g-42a) in 133 games and added 143 penalty minutes. After his junior career, he spent one season at Ryerson University where he added 10 points (5g-5a) in 16 games.

Carpino, 24, turns pro after spending the last three years at Ryerson University. The Vaughan, Ontario native collected 60 points (30g-30a) in 82 games for the Rams. He began his collegiate career at Western Michigan University in 2014-15 and spent two seasons there before transferring.

He had a solid junior career in the Ontario Junior Hockey League with the Vaughan Vipers and North York Rangers. His best year came in 2012-13 where he piled up 83 points (42g-41a) in 54 games for the Rangers. He earned OJHL First All-Star Team honors and was named Most Improved Player. Overall, he finished with 179 points (83g-96a) in 154 games during his junior career.

Whittaker, 24, turns pro after playing a four-year collegiate career at Mercyhurst University. A native of Toronto, Ontario, he is coming off a career year where he tallied 25 points (10g-15a) in 35 games. After his senior season completed, he was signed to an ATO with the Newfoundland Growlers and appeared in five games.

He reunites with Carpino, who he played with in North York for two seasons. His best season came in 2014-15 where he racked up 72 points (28g-44a) in 53 games for the Rangers. Overall, he finished with 116 points (46g-70a) in 149 games.