Smith, Favaro return to Wichita

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 the re-signing of forward Declan Smith and defenseman Nicholas Favaro for the 2024-25 season. 

Smith, 26, turned pro last March and skated in four games with the Thunder.

He recently completed a four-year career at St. Francis Xavier University. Smith recorded the game-winner in the fourth overtime against Acadia in the AUS quarterfinal to clinch the series this past February. During his senior campaign, Smith had a career-high 23 points (11g-12a) in 28 games and had five points (4g-1a) in five playoff games. He finished with 45 points (22g-23a) in 98 career-games for the X-Men. In 2019-20, Smith was named as the team's Rookie of the Year. 

Favaro, 26, was acquired last February in a trade with the Cincinnati Cyclones. The Woodbridge, Ontario native enters his second year as a pro after finishing with two points in 21 games between Cincinnati and Wichita. 

Prior to turning pro, Favaro played four years at Curry College, recording 58 points (18g-40a) in career 79 games. During his senior campaign, he served as team captain while being named to the AHCA Second Team All-American, All-USCHO Third Team and CCC First Team All-Conference.