The Seattle Thunderbirds have signed defenseman Jonas Kemps to a WHL scholarship and development agreement.

The Thunderbirds acquired Kemps’ rights last month in a trade with the Tri-City Americans.

The 2008-born Kemps spent last season with the USHL’s Chicago Steel and was previously with USA Hockey’s NTDP. In 2024, he represented the United States at the U17 World Hockey Challenge in Sarnia, Ont.

“We feel he has the ability to add to our strong group going into next season,” stated Thunderbirds GM Bil LaForge.

The Sebastopol native was ranked 67th among North American skaters for the 2026 NHL Draft to be held next month in Buffalo. Kemps has committed to Michigan State University for the 2027-28 season.

T-Birds head coach Matt O’Dette has had the opportunity to study Kemps game.

“He’s a big (6-foot-6, 196 pounds), mobile defenseman who can play in all situations,” said O’Dette. “He defends well with a level of compete to go with an evolving offensive game. We’re excited about the fit with our group and look forward to being part of his continued development.”

The T-Birds are sending a 2029 third-round draft pick and a 2029 seventh-round pick to Tri-City to complete the deal.

Back home, Kemps played for the Golden State Elite Eagles, Sonoma County Flyers High School and Anaheim Jr. Ducks.

Photo/Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

— WHL Staff

(May 16, 2026)