Buitenhuis Returns To Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. (Sept. 16) - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, AHL's Bakersfield Condors and powered by Toyota, are excited to announce the re-signing of goaltender Evan Buitenhuis (BITE-en-heise) for the 2021-22 season.

"I'm really excited to have Evan coming back for us this season," stated Head Coach Bruce Ramsay. "He came in last March during a tough situation and really took off from there. He was one of our best players last year and I'm happy to have him back between the pipes for us."

Buitenhuis, 28, is coming off a fantastic season where he was named to the 2020-21 All-ECHL Second Team. The Burlington, Ontario native led the league in goals-against (2.29) and save percentage (.931). He finished with a 16-6-0-4 record in 27 combined games between Wichita, Utah and Florida. He was acquired in a trade on March 23 from the Florida Everblades. 

"I'm very happy to be coming back to Wichita," commented Buitenhuis. "I feel like we've got some unfinished business after last year's playoff exit. I'm excited to get back in town and get to work."

The third-year netminder began his career with the Worcester Railers, where he played for two seasons. During his rookie campaign in 2018-19, he went 10-9-4 with a 2.37 goals-against average and .928 save percentage.

Prior to turning pro, Buitenhuis played four seasons at Hamilton College. He went 37-17-12, sporting a 1.67 goals-against average and .944 save percentage, which led all of NCAA D-III in both categories. He was awarded the Jack B. Riffle Award in 2018 as the best male athlete in his graduating class.

Season tickets for the 2021-22 season are on sale now. October is not far away and the schedule has been announced. Join Thunder Nation today and lock in your seat(s) for all 36 home games at INTRUST Bank Arena. For more information, click HERE.

FloSports is the official provider for ECHL TV for the 2021-22 season. Watch live events across all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. To become a subscriber, click here.

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