Kuzmeski, Walker return to Wichita

Action photos of Shane Kuzmeski and Kobe Walker of the Wichita Thunder

WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's San Jose Sharks and American Hockey League's San Jose Barracuda, announced today the re-signing of defenseman Shane Kuzmeski and forward Kobe Walker for the 2024-25 campaign.

Kuzmeski, 28, was acquired in a trade last January from the Florida Everblades. A native of Grayslake, Illinois, he appeared in 35 games for the Thunder, collecting eight points (1g-7a) and led the team in plus/minus (+20 overall, +14 with the Thunder).

Kuzmeski returns with plenty of ECHL experience having played for Wheeling, Iowa, Utah, Indy and Trois-Rivieres. Overall, he's tallied 60 points (11g-49a) in 163 career ECHL games.

Prior to turning pro, he spent four years at Clarkson University. Kuzmeski helped anchor one of the best defensive corps in college hockey. In three of his four seasons, Clarkson ranked in the NCAA's top five in fewest goals allowed. Kuzmeski helped the Golden Knights to an ECAC Championship during his junior season and was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team as a senior.

Walker, 26, joined the Thunder last February after completing a five-year collegiate career at RIT. A native of Lloydminster, Alberta, he finished with 16 points (8g-8a) in 25 games.

Prior to turning pro, Walker recorded 80 points (40g-40a) in 142 career games at RIT. He was also named as an alternate captain during the 2021-22 season and served as the team's captain last year. During his senior campaign, Walker had a career-high 23 points (12g, 11a) in 31 games and helped lead the Tigers to an AHA regular-season title.