Wichita signs DeJong, Turner

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 defenseman Brendan De Jong and forward Michael Turner for the 2019-20 season.

De Jong turns pro after playing the last five seasons for the Western Hockey League's Portland Winterhawks. A native of Victoria, British Columbia, the 21-year-old is the younger brother of Nolan De Jong, who played for the Thunder last season. He was selected in the sixth round (166th overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. In 317 games for the Winterhawks, he collected 88 points (24g-64a) and 218 penalty minutes. He earned an invite to Edmonton's Rookie Camp and will attend Bakersfield's main camp starting later this week.

Turner spent the majority of last season with the Rapid City Rush. A native of Chicago, Illinois, the 23-year-old finished the season with the Thunder. He totaled 11 points (4g-7a) to go along with 90 penalty minutes in his time with the Rush. Turner enters his fourth year as a pro, also having played for Greenville, Orlando and Wheeling.