Wichita re-signs Schmitz

WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors, announced the re-signing of defenseman Garrett Schmitz for the 2020-21 season.

Schmitz, 26, begins his second season with the Thunder. A native of Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, he tallied 20 points (7g-13a) in 55 games last year and was named as the team's Most Improved Player.

He played his rookie campaign in 2018-19 for the Southern Professional Hockey League's Birmingham Bulls and was named to the SPHL All-Rookie Team and First All-Star Team. He led all defensemen with four game-winning goals and tied for third on the Bulls with a +15 rating. In 50 games, he recorded 33 points (10g-23a) and added four points (1g-3a) in eight playoff games. Schmitz also earned a call-up to the Indy Fuel where he appeared in two games.

Prior to turning pro, Schmitz played a four-year career at Hamline University where he collected 30 points (12g-18a) in 99 career games.