Wichita re-signs Wahlin, Blackwell

WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the Nataionl Hockey League's San Jose Sharks and American Hockey League's San Jose Barracuda, announced the re-signing of forwards Jake Wahlin and Spencer Blackwell for the 2025-26 season.

Wahlin, 28, returns to Wichita for a fifth season. The veteran forward from St. Paul, Minnesota has registered at least 20 points in the last four years. Wahlin has tallied 84 points (32g-52a) in 216career games in a Thunder uniform. Prior to his time in Wichita, Wahlin split the 2020-21 season with the Rapid City Rush and the SPHL's Pensacola Ice Flyers. He recorded 37 points (19g-18a) in 37 games for the Ice Flyers while being named as the SPHL Rookie of the Year, as well earning spots on the All-Rookie Team and First All-Star Team.

During his college career, he played four seasons at St. Cloud State University, finishing with 40 points (16g-24a) in 127 games.

Blackwell, 25, turned pro this past March after finishing his college career at Lakehead University. He appeared in nine regular-season games and then scored two goals during the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs against Tahoe.

A native of Erin, Ontario, Blackwell registered 24 points (10g-14a) in 28 games this past season at Lakehead. Blackwell finished with 82 points (30g-52a) in 93 career games for the Thunderwolves. In 2022-23, he was named to the USports (OUA West) First All-Star Team. Before heading to school, Blackwell played two seasons in the Maritime Junior Hockey League with the Truro Bearcats and Miramichi Timberwolves, registering 98 points (44g-54a) in 73 career junior games.