Wichita inks veteran forward Crane

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 forward Chris Crane for the 2019-20 season.

Crane, 27, brings a wealth of experience to the Thunder. A native of West Chester Township, Ohio, he has played over 300 games in the ECHL and American Hockey League. He turned pro in 2012-13 after completing a three-year collegiate career at Ohio State University and appeared in eight games with the AHL's Worcester Sharks.

The former Buckeye was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the seventh round (200th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Crane has collected 181 points (92g-89a) in 279 ECHL games with the San Francisco Bulls, Ontario Reign, Missouri Mavericks, Allen Americans, Orlando Solar Bears, Norfolk Admirals and Toledo Walleye. He helped lead the Americans to back-to-back Kelly Cups in 2015 and 2016.

Most recently, Crane helped the Walleye reach the Kelly Cup Finals this past season. He registered three points (2g-1a) in five games after being acquired at the trade deadline from Norfolk. Crane recorded 25 points (15g-10a) in 34 games for the Admirals. During the postseason, he tallied 10 points (3g-7a) in 21 playoff games.