After short stints with the AHL's San Jose Barracuda, forwards Mitchell Russell and Luke Grainger have been loaned to Wichita.
The Wichita Thunder announced two separate transactions on Friday. Forward Mitchell Russell has been reassigned from the San Jose Barracuda to the Thunder, while forward Luke Grainger has been loaned to the Thunder.
Additionally, forward Aidan Litke and defenseman Nick Favaro have been released by Wichita.
Russell, 23, returns to the Thunder for a third go-around. The Peterborough, Ontario native played two games for Wichita during the 2022-23 season. He followed that up last year with 22 points (9-13-22) in 35 games.
After the Thunder season ended, Russell appeared in two games for the Barracuda and recorded his first AHL goal on April 20 against Tucson.
Prior to turning pro, Russell played five years in the OHL with Owen Sound and North Bay. He served as an alternate captain with the Battalion in 2021-22 while piling up 88 points (41-47-88) in 64 games. He also registered 22 points (11-11-22) in 11 playoff games for North Bay.
The 25-year-old Grainger was originally signed to an Amateur Tryout with the Barracuda on April 3. After appearing in two games, the Montreal, Quebec native signed an AHL contract on April 12.
Grainger has played in two AHL games this season, recording his first pro goal on October 30 against Coachella Valley.
Prior to turning pro, the 5-foot-10, 181-pound forward played five years at Western Michigan University. Grainger was named team captain this past year and tallied a career-high 48 points (14-34-48) in 38 games. His performance earned him a Hobey Baker nomination last season.
Grainger finished his collegiate career with 103 points (38-65-103) and a +21 rating in 140 games for the Mustangs.