Stinil returns, Rhodes joins Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita Thunder announced that forward Michal Stinil has re-signed for the 2022-23 season while defenseman Kyle Rhodes has agreed to terms a contract.

Stinil joined the Thunder in early December last season. The Decin, Czech Republic native went on to finish with 30 points (13g-17a) in 54 games during his rookie campaign.

He began the 2021-22 campaign at American International College. In 2020-21, he had seven points (2g-5a) in 17 games and helped AIC to the Atlantic Hockey Association regular-season title and the Jack Riley Memorial Trophy for winning the AHA Hockey Championship Tournament. 

Prior to college, Stinil played two seasons in the North American Hockey League for the Lone Star Brahmas. The 23-year-old netted 41 points (20g-21a) in 45 games and racked up 142 penalty minutes during the 2019-20 campaign. Overall, he finished with 64 points (34g-30a) in 74 career games for the Brahmas.

Rhodes, 24, was acquired by the Thunder to complete a future considerations deal with the Rapid City Rush at the trade deadline.

He joined the Rush in late March last year for their playoff run. Rhodes recorded 17 points (6g-11a) in 49 games for Norfolk and then added six assists in seven regular-season games for the Rush. He played in 11 playoff games for Rapid City, collecting one goal.

A native of Ashburn, Virginia, Rhodes is entering his fourth full season after turning pro in 2017-18. He has made stints with Indy, Tulsa and South Carolina as well as starting the 2020-21 campaign with the Southern Professional Hockey League's Huntsville Havoc. Overall, he has tallied 43 points (19g-24a) in 118 career ECHL games. 

Prior to turning pro, Rhodes played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with Guelph and Sudbury. He was named team captain for the Wolves in 2017-18 and tallied 24 points (10g-14a) in 57 games that season.