The Wichita Thunder have announced the signing of forward Declan Smith for the 2025-26 season.
The 27-year-old Smith returns to the Air Capital after finishing his first full season as a pro.
A native of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, the 6-foot, 200-pound forward tallied 14 points (7-7-14) in 51 games last year.
He came on in the middle of the season, recording eight points (3-5-8) over a six-game span from Feb. 1 to Feb. 15.
Smith had a career-high three points (2-1-3) against Allen on Feb. 7 in a 7-3 win and was named as the first star of the game.
Prior to turning pro, Smith completed a four-year career at St. Francis Xavier University (USports). Smith recorded the game-winner in the fourth overtime against Acadia in the AUS quarterfinal to clinch the series during his senior campaign.
He had a career-high 23 points (11-12-23) in 28 games in 2023-24 and had five points (4-1-5) in five playoff games.
Smith finished with 45 points (22-23-45) in 98 career-games for the X-Men. In 2019-20, he was named as the team's rookie of the year.
Wichita opens its 2025-26 campaign against the Allen Americans on Saturday, Oct. 18.