Wichita signs Gennaro

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 Matteo Gennaro for the 2020-21 season.

Gennaro, 23, enters his third year as a pro. A native of St. Albert, Alberta, he was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the seventh round (203rd overall) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

He signed his first pro contract with the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners in 2018, and finished with 12 points (7g-5a) in 58 games. Gennaro re-signed with Tucson last season and was loaned to Rapid City for 14 contests, finishing with 11 points (5g-6a).

Prior to turning pro, Gennaro played five seasons in the Western Hockey League with Prince Albert, Calgary and Swift Current. His best year came in 2017-18 when he tallied 25 points (14g-11a) in 22 games with Calgary before being traded to Swift Current. With the Broncos, Gennaro finished with 54 points (28g-26a) and added 18 points (9g-9a) in 26 playoff games en route to a WHL title. Overall, he had 248 points (124g-124a) in 338 career WHL games.