Wichita brings back Crinella, Schmitz

Photo of Peter Crinella and Garrett Schmitz of the Wichita Thunder

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 forward Peter Crinella and defenseman Garrett Schmitz for the 2021-22 season.

Crinella returns for his third season in a Thunder uniform. A native of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, he appeared in 66 games last season collecting 29 points (14g-15a). He potted 32 points (19g-13a) in 52 games during his rookie campaign in 2019-20 and was named the team's Rookie of the Year.

Prior to turning pro, he spent four seasons at College of the Holy Cross. Crinella appeared in 129 games for the Crusaders, notching 48 points (21g-27a). He had his highest goal total of his collegiate career during his senior campaign, scoring 15 points (7g-8a) in 35 games.

Schmitz, who turns 28 on September 2, begins his third season in Wichita. A native of Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, he played mostly upfront last season. He recorded 12 points (6g-6a) in 50 games after tallying 20 points (7g-13a) in 55 contests in 2019-20.

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, collecting 30 points (12g-18a) in 99 career games.