The Adirondack Thunder announced this week that forward Brannon McManus has signed a contract to return for the 2026‑27 campaign, cementing a key piece of a roster that made a deep run last season.
McManus’s Impact Extends Beyond Statistics
McManus capped his most productive season yet with 67 points in 72 games, a tally that included 31 goals and placed him third all‑time in single‑season scoring for the club. The achievement earned him the MVP award at the 2026 Warrior / ECHL All‑Star Classic, where the league’s top talent gathered to celebrate standout performances.
Before arriving in upstate New York, the forward honed his game with stints in Fort Wayne and Greenville, posting 31 points in 61 appearances for the Komets and 47 points in 71 games for the Swamp Rabbits. His collegiate career at the University of Minnesota and the University of Nebraska‑Omaha saw him compile 119 points over 170 games, and he served as an alternate captain during the 2020‑21 season in Minnesota, underscoring his leadership qualities.
The Thunder’s management praised McManus’s blend of skill and character, noting that his return aligns with the club’s strategy to blend home‑grown talent with experienced veterans as they look to contend for a playoff run next year. The organization, which is affiliated with the New Jersey Devils and the Utica Comets, hopes the forward’s offensive firepower will help sustain momentum built during a breakthrough season.