Wichita inks Minerva, Hausinger

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 defensemen Nick Minerva and Christian Hausinger for the 2021-22 season.

Minerva enters his fourth year as a pro. The native of New Brunswick, New Jersey split last season between Tulsa and the Southern Professional Hockey League's Macon Mayhem. He collected 20 points (3g-17a) in 35 games while serving as an alternate captain for the Mayhem. He was selected to the 2020-21 SPHL First All-Star Team. Minerva finished the season with the Tulsa Oilers recording one goal in 10 games.

During the 2019-20 campaign, the 25-year-old started the year in Macon. He was loaned to the Wheeling Nailers where he recorded nine points (3g-6a) in 47 games. 

Hausinger, 24, turns pro after finishing a four-year career at the University of Wisconsin River-Falls. A native of Anchorage, Alaska, he registered 71 points (16g-55a) in 96 games for the Falcons. Hausinger was named team captain during his senior campaign and finished his collegiate career as the all-time points leader for defensemen in school history. His best season came in 2019-20 where he tallied 36 points (10g-26a) in 29 games. He was named to the NCAA DIII First Team All-American, All-USCHO First Team, WIAC All-Conference Team and WIAC Player of the year. 

Prior to college, Hausinger split three seasons between the North American Hockey League and the United States Hockey League. His best season came in 2014-15 with the NAHL's Odessa Jackelopes, where he recorded 31 points (7g-24a) in 59 games. He was named to the NAHL All-Rookie Second Team and NAHL All-South Division Rookie Team.