FAIRBANKS - Former Nanooks men's hockey defenseman T.J. Lloyd has signed a professional contract with the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL. The defenseman officially joined the Thunder on Monday, August 5, after playing two seasons with Alaska hockey from 2022 to 2024.

Lloyd arrives in Wichita after suiting up for the Savannah Ghost Pirates, a fellow ECHL member. After turning pro last March, he skated in four contests for the Ghost Pirates before signing with the Thunder.

The Lloydminster, Sask. native joined the Nanooks after three seasons with Bowling Green State University. At Alaska, the blueliner appeared in all 68 contests over two years, scoring six goals and dishing out 29 assists for 35 points. His best season with the Nanooks came in the 2023-24 campaign when he set a career-best mark in assists with 16 while matching his highest goal total with three. His assists totals were good for third on the squad and first among defensemen. He notched two game-winners in his final season while scoring three of the four power-play goals he netted with the Nanooks. Lloyd was named alternate captain during his final season with Alaska and was a nominee for the Hobey Baker Award.

He finished his collegiate career with 172 appearances, 10 goals and 63 assists for 73 points.

The Thunder are the ECHL affiliate of the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) and the San Jose Sharks (NHL).

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