Wichita signs Murphy

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 veteran forward Wade Murphy for the 2026-27 season.

Murphy split last season between Greensboro and Greenville. A native of Victoria, British Columbia, he tallied 25 points (12g-13a) in 59 games between the two teams.

The 32-year-old is entering his 11th year as a pro. Murphy appeared in his 400th game on Nov. 15, 2025 against Tahoe. He turned pro in 2017-18, splitting time with Worcester and Greenville. Murphy has made stops in Maine, Kalamazoo and Idaho in North America while also playing overseas in Norway, Slovenia and Slovakia.

In 2023, Murphy helped lead the Steelheads to the Kelly Cup Finals. He recorded 43 points (21g-22a) in 54 games during the regular season and 20 points (12g-8a) 20 playoff games, which led all scorers during the postseason in points and goals. Overall, Murphy has recorded 209 points (86g-123a) in 315 ECHL contests.

Prior to turning pro, he played four years in the British Columbia Hockey League with Victoria and Penticton, racking up 181 points (69g-112a) in 172 games. Murphy led the Vees to a sweep of the 2012 BCHL Doyle Cup and RBC Cup Championship. After a spectacular 2012-13 campaign where he amassed 70 points (23g-47a) in 50 games, he was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the seventh round (185th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Murphy played his college career at the University of North Dakota before transferring to Arizona State. In 2016-17, Murphy recorded 20 points (9g-11a) in 31 games for the Sun Devils.