WICHITA, KS – The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League’s Bakersfield Condors, announced the signing of second-year forward Billy Exell for the 2021-22 season.
“I’m excited to bring Billy back for another season in Wichita,” Thunder Head Coach Bruce Ramsay commented. “Billy is a very reliable two-way forward who had a solid rookie season for us in 2019-20. He came on strong near the end of that year and I look forward to seeing how he can progress after taking last year off.”
Exell, 25, came to Wichita in 2019-20 after attending training camp with the Indy Fuel. A native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, the 5-foot-11, 174-pound forward finished his rookie season with 24 points (8 goals-16 assists) in 50 games.
“It’s been a while since I’ve played a game, but I’m really excited to get back, see the guys again and start playing,” Exell stated. “I had an opportunity to come back and be a part of this program again. I love playing for Coach and excited to be back.”
Prior to turning pro, he played four seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. In 130 games for the Bulldogs, Exell tallied 24 points (11 goals-13 assists) and was named as an alternate captain during his senior campaign. Exell was a part of back-to-back NCAA championships with the Bulldogs in 2018 and 2019 and also won a Robertson Cup during his junior career with the North American Hockey League’s Minnesota Wilderness.
The Thunder will open their home schedule on Friday, October 29th against the Utah Grizzlies and close home-opening weekend on Saturday, October 30th as the Wheeling Nailers make their first-ever trip to the Air Capital.
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