After four seasons at American International College, Nico Somerville starts his pro career in the ECHL with the Wichita Thunder.
Nico Somerville is ready to begin his professional hockey career, signing an ECHL contract with the Wichita Thunder for the 2024-25 season.
The 5-foot-9, 185-pound defenseman played four seasons at American International College, tallying 7 goals and 15 assists for 22 points over 110 games. He was named to the AHA All-Tournament Team this past season, scoring the overtime winner in March against Air force that helped AIC advance to the Atlantic Hockey Tournament semifinals.
Prior to college, the native of Port Alberni, BC played five years in the BCHL, including four with the Victoria Grizzlies before being dealt to the Penticton Vees midway through the 2019-20 season. In 110 career BCHL contests, he scored 84 points (17-67-84).
"(Nico's) a really good skating defenseman who led his team in plus/minus," Thunder head coach Bruce Ramsay said. "He is a strong, steady defenseman who is hard to play against for his size and has some offensive upside."
The 2024-25 regular season is less than two months away. Wichita will open at home on Friday, October 18 against the Kansas City Mavericks. Single game tickets are expected to go on sale soon, but fans can purchase season tickets now.