Wichita brings back Buitenhuis

Action photo of Evan Buitenhuis 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 goaltender Evan Buitenhuis for the 2021-22 season.

Buitenhuis was named to the All-ECHL Second Team last season. The Burlington, Ontario native led the league in goals-against (2.29) and save percentage (.931). He finished with a 16-6-4 record in 27 combined games between Wichita, Utah and Florida.

The 28-year-old began his pro career with the Worcester Railers, where he played for two seasons. During his rookie campaign in 2018-19, he went 10-9-4 with a 2.37 goals-against average and .928 save percentage.

Prior to turning pro, Buitenhuis played four seasons at Hamilton College. He went 37-17-12, sporting a 1.67 goals-against average and .944 save percentage, which led all of NCAA D-III in both categories. He was awarded the Jack B. Riffle Award in 2018 as the best male athlete in his graduating class.