Photo courtesy Seattle Thunderbirds
Omaha Mavericks sophomore defenseman Joe Gramer has left the program and will continue his development in the Canadian Hockey League, signing with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.
Gramer, a 20-year-old blueliner from Moorhead, Minnesota, spent two seasons at the University of Nebraska-Omaha after coming through the USHL with the Des Moines Buccaneers. During the 2024-25 season, Gramer appeared in 33 games for the Mavericks, recording four assists. This season, he played in 13 games, adding one assist. Gramer suffered a hand injury early in the season that limited his playing time.
Seattle announced the signing on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, confirming Gramer will join the team immediately and be available for their road game in Lethbridge that night. Gramer fills the final open 20-year-old roster spot for the Thunderbirds.
The move also connects Joe Gramer with his younger brother, John Gramer, whose WHL rights are now held by Seattle. The Thunderbirds acquired John Gramer’s rights earlier this week in a trade with the Swift Current Broncos, creating an organizational link between the two brothers. While John Gramer is not currently on Seattle’s active roster, the transaction places both brothers within the Thunderbirds system and adds an additional layer of familiarity as Joe joins the club midseason.
Thunderbirds general manager Bil LaForge noted that Gramer had been on Seattle’s protected list earlier in his career and attended a Thunderbirds training camp four years ago. “We are happy that he has chosen now to continue his development with us,” LaForge said, adding that Gramer had “many options.” LaForge also cited Gramer’s two years of NCAA experience as a source of added poise and leadership for the Seattle blue line.
Omaha head coach Mike Gabinet addressed Gramer’s departure during his Jan. 7 press conference, framing the move within the realities of the current college hockey landscape.
“Obviously (it’s) tough to lose somebody. Joe’s a great kid and unfortunately just wants to play. He wants to play more,” Gabinet said. “I think you’re just going to see a lot more of that in today’s landscape where there’s so many options now for the players.”
Gabinet acknowledged the challenge of managing mid-season roster changes, noting that player movement is no longer limited to the offseason. “You’ve got to wear your GM (general manager) hat a little bit too and deal with transactions that happen during the season now,” he said, adding that the staff will look to see whether the open spot can be filled, despite the timing.
Gramer’s move to the WHL marks a return to major junior hockey after his NCAA stint and provides Seattle with an older, experienced defenseman as the Thunderbirds continue their push through the second half of the season.
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