Thunder Adds Leadership, Versatility in Texeira
June 28, 2018 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, AHL's Bakersfield Condors and powered by Toyota, announced today the signing of rookie defenseman Keoni Texeira (KEY-oh-knee TEX-cher-ah) for the 2018-19 season.
"Keoni came highly recommended by Mike Johnson (former Penguins coach) his coach in Portland," stated Head Coach Malcolm Cameron. "He was a part of some very successful junior hockey teams and played a key role in that success. He's a captain so we know he exhibits excellent leadership qualities as well as being a defenseman that can play any role. We look forward to Keoni making a big impact with us this season."
Texeira, 21, recently completed his fifth season with the Western Hockey League's Portland Winterhawks. A native of Fontana, California, the 6-foot, 210-pound defenseman served as the team's captain last year. He sits in second place all-time in Winterhawks history with 344 games played and notched 143 points (39g, 104a) over that span.
"I'm very excited to be turning pro this year," commented Texeira. "I've been working very hard and preparing a long time for this. I'm excited to get to meet my new teammates and help contribute to this team in any way I can in order to win the Kelly Cup. I've heard the fans and the city are both amazing and I'm excited to get things started!"
He was ranked the 143rd-best North American prospect by the NHL's Central Scouting Service prior to the 2015 NHL Draft. Texeira attended developmental camp as an undrafted free agent that season. Last summer, he was invited to mid-summer development camp with the Vegas Golden Knights and earned a spot in their main camp last September.
Texeira is the third Thunder player under contract, joining Dyson Stevenson and Jeremy Beaudry as players signed for the 2018-19 season.
Season tickets for the 2018-19 campaign are on sale now. Get your seats for just $15 per month. All it takes is a $1 down per seat to reserve yours today. To learn more, click here or contact a Thunder representative at the office today!
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