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 rookie forward Alex Gritz for the 2024-25 season.
Gritz, 23, turns pro after spending the last three years at the University of Waterloo. A native of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, he is coming off his best season for the Warriors with 22 points (8g-14a) in 28 games. Overall, he finished with 39 points (13g-26a) in 71 games during his collegiate career.
Prior to heading to school, Gritz played in four different junior hockey leagues. He started in the Ontario Hockey League with the Soo Greyhounds in 2016-17. In 2017-18, tallied 30 points (13g-17a) in 67 games for the Erie Otters.
Gritz also saw time with the United States Hockey League's Youngstown Phantoms, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and North American Hockey League's Johnstown Tomahawks.
In 2020-21, Gritz was named captain for Johnstown and finished that season with 24 points (10g-14a) in 46 games.