Wichita signs Lloyd, Walsh

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 signing of defenseman T.J. Lloyd and forward T.J. Walsh for the 2024-25 season.

Lloyd, 24, turned pro this past March after signing with the Savannah Ghost Pirates and skating in four games.

A native of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Lloyd began his collegiate career at Bowling Green State University, tallying 38 points (4g-34a) in 104 games. In 2022-23, he transferred to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Lloyd played two years for the Nanooks, collecting 35 points (6g-29a) in 68 games. He was named as an alternate captain this past season and was a nominee for the Hobey Baker Award as well.

Walsh, 24, was acquired from the Orlando Solar Bears to complete the deal that sent forward Kelly Bent to Orlando. A native of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, he appeared in two games for the Solar Bears, netting one assist.

He completed a five-year collegiate career before turning pro. Last season, Walsh played as a graduate student at Sacred Heart University. Walsh recorded a career-high 26 points (13g-13a) in 36 games and was the Pioneers nomination for the Hobey Baker Award for the Most Outstanding Player in NCAA Men's Ice Hockey. Prior to his time at Sacred Heart, Walsh played two years at Northeastern University and two years at RPI. Overall, he collected 70 points (26g-44a) in 142 career games at the NCAA Division I level.