Pair of blueliners head to Wichita

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 Derian Hamilton and Patrik Parkkonen for the 2019-20 season.

Hamilton turns pro after playing a four-year career at Penn State University. At the end of last season, the 25-year-old signed an Amateur Tryout agreement with the Norfolk Admirals and appeared in three games. A native of Port McNeill, British Columbia, Hamilton saw action in 85 games, registering 13 points (1g-12a) for the Nittany Lions.

Parkkonen returns to North America for the first time since 2011-12. A native of Porvoo, Finland, he first played in North American for two seasons with the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers, collecting 33 points (7g-26a) in 110 games over two seasons. He returned to his native country to finish his junior career and turned pro in 2015-16, signing with Lausitzer Fuchse (DEL2). In 2016-17, he led all defensemen in assists (38) and points (50). Last season, he played in the EBEL for Orli Znojmo, where he tallied 26 points (7g-19a) in 45 games.