Photo Courtesy of the Wichita Thunder The Wichita Thunder [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/athletes-unlimited-softball-league-to-hold-wichita-thunder-night]announced the re-signing of defenseman Nico Somerville for the 2025-26 season. The 26-year-old Somerville returns to Wichita for a second year. The Port Alberni, British Columbia native appeared in 49 games as a rookie, collecting 11 points (3-8-11). Somerville became a consistent presence in the lineup and reunites with his partner, T.J. Lloyd, whose signing was announced on Tuesday. Prior to turning pro, Somerville played four years at American International College. In 110 career games, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound blueliner tallied 22 points (7-15-22). Somerville was named to the AHA All-Tournament Team during his senior campaign. He scored the overtime winner against Air Force in March 2024 to help AIC advance to the semifinals of the Atlantic Hockey Tournament. Somerville was captain during the 2022-23 season and an alternate captain this past year. Before his collegiate career, he spent five years in the British Columbia Hockey League. Somerville played four seasons with the Victoria Grizzlies before being traded midway through the 2019-20 season to the Penticton Vees. He recorded 84 points (17-67-84) in 210 career games. Wichita opens the 2025-26 campaign against the Allen Americans [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/allen-americans-announce-promotional-nights-for-2025-26-season]on Saturday, Oct. 18.
