Wichita inks trio of returners

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 return of forward Michal Stinil along with defensemen T.J. Lloyd and Kirby Proctor for the 2026-27 season.

Stinil, 27, has been a staple in Wichita since the 2021-22 season. Entering his sixth year as a pro, the Decin, Czechia native has amassed 296 points (117g-179a) in 301 games in a Thunder uniform. He ranks fifth in club history in goals, assists and points, sixth in games played, eighth in power play goals (31) and ninth in game-winning goals (15).

Over his career, Stinil has tallied 30 or more goals twice while eclipsing 65 or more points three times. He was selected to the 2024-25 ECHL Midseason All-Star Team and finished with 77 points (25g, 52a) that season.

Lloyd, 26, begins his third full season as a pro. A native of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, he has appeared in 115 games in a Thunder uniform. He turned pro in 2023-24 and appeared in four games with the Savannah Ghost Pirates.

Prior to turning pro, Lloyd attended Bowling Green State University for three seasons before transferring to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. He was named as an alternate captain during his senior campaign. Lloyd finished his college career with 73 points (10g-63a) in 172 games.

Proctor, 25, is entering his third full season as a pro. He was acquired in a trade prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign and became a reliable presence on the blue line. The Lloydminster, Alberta native had a career high in goals (8), assists (19) and points (27) this past season. Proctor won a Kelly Cup title with the Trois-Rivieres Lions in 2024-25.

Prior to turning pro, Proctor played five seasons at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He registered 51 points (17g-34a) in 172 games during his collegiate career. Proctor was named to the NCHC Academic All-League and a Distinguished Scholar three times.