Parkkonen back in Wichita

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 Patrik Parkkonen.

Parkkonen, 27, returns to Wichita after leading the team in scoring a year ago. The Porvoo, Finland native registered 45 points (8g-37a) in 56 games for the Thunder and was also third in the league in scoring for defensemen. Parkkonen also earned a call-up to the AHL's Chicago Wolves where he appeared in two games.

Last season was his first time back in North America since 2011-12. He played two seasons for the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers, collecting 33 points (7g-26a) in 110 games in his two seasons with the Tigers. He returned to his native country to finish his junior career and turned pro in 2015-16, signing with Lausitzer Fuchse (DEL2). In 2016-17, he led all defensemen in assists (38) and points (50) and played in the EBEL for Orli Znojmo in 2018-19, where he tallied 26 points (7g-19a) in 45 games.