Wichita brings back Smith

Action photo of Declan Smith 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 the signing of forward Declan Smith for the 2025-26 season.

Smith, 27, returns to the Thunder after finishing his first full season as a pro. A native of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, he tallied 14 points (7g-7a) in 51 games last year.

Prior to turning pro, he 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 during his senior campaign. He had a career-high 23 points (11g-12a) in 28 games in 2023-24 and had five points (4g-1a) in five playoff games. Smith finished with 45 points (22g-23a) in 98 career-games for the X-Men. In 2019-20, he was named as the team's rookie of the year.