Wichita signs pair of rookies

WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors, announced the signing of rookie forwards Austin Albrecht and Alex Berardinelli for the 2020-21 season.

Albrecht, 24, turns pro after spending two years at the NCAA level. He started at UMass-Amherst before transferring to American International College. A native of Flemington, New Jersey, he recorded 15 points (5g-10a) in 33 games last season and helped the Yellow Jackets to the Atlantic Hockey Association regular-season title. In 2017-18, he appeared in 28 contests for the Minutemen and tallied 11 points (6g-5a).

Prior to his college career, he played two years in the North American Hockey League for the Wichita Falls Wildcats and then moved to the United States Hockey League with the Sioux Falls Stampede and Muskegon Lumberjacks. His best season came in 2015-16 when he racked up 60 points (26-34a) in 58 games. He was named to the NAHL All-South Division Team and NAHL Robertson Cup All-Tournament Team. Overall, he finished his junior career with 128 points (45g-83a) in 167 games.

Berardinelli, 25, comes to Wichita after closing out a four-year career at Colorado College. A native of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, he served as the team's captain during his senior season. He finished with 49 points (20g-29a) in 121 games for the Tigers.

Before heading to Colorado College, Berardinelli played two seasons in the NAHL with the Michigan Warriors and the Lone Star Brahmas. In 2015-16, he netted 55 points (33g-22a) in 59 games for the Brahmas, earning him to the All-NAHL Team and All-South Division Team honors.