Press Releases

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder signed all-star right wing Jesse Bennefield on Tuesday afternoon.

Bennefield scored 24 goals last season for the Killer Bees while adding 35 assists and was a CHL All-Star.  The 29-year old rattled off a 12-game point streak from November 14th-December 5th and totaled 20 multi-point games.

Bennefield was even more productive the previous season with the Bees, his first year in the CHL.  The Calgary, Alberta native tied for fifth in the CHL with 35 goals and tied for 12th with 71 points.  The six-foot, 195 pound winger delivered 16 multi-point games including a hat trick.

Bennefield began his professional career in 2005-06 with the ECHL's San Diego Gulls where he scored 60 points in 63 games.  A right-handed shot, Bennefield also appeared in six games at the AHL level in 2006-07.

Bennefield was acquired from the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees in exchange for Thomas Klempa.  Klempa scored 10 goals and 22 points in 26 games in the second half of last season, joining the Thunder after brief stints in the ECHL and IHL.

The Thunder opens the 2010-11 season on October 16th at Tulsa.  Wichita's home opener is scheduled for the following night at 7:05 p.m.  Season tickets and packages are available now.  Tickets for the Thunder's exhibition game on October 8th versus Tulsa are just $10 general admission.  For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder announced its exhibition schedule for the 2010-11 season on Tuesday. 

Wichita has two pre-season games planned, both against longtime rival Tulsa.  The Thunder hosts the Oilers on Friday, October 8th at 7:05 pm at the Wichita Ice Center.  The following night, the two teams square off at the Oilers Ice Center in Tulsa.  Tickets for the game in Wichita are just $10 General Admission and go on sale Monday, August 23rd. 

Thunder training camp begins on October 4th and is open to the public. 

The puck drops on the 2010-11 regular season Friday, October 15th at Tulsa with the Thunder's home opener the next night at 7:05 p.m.  Season tickets and packages are on sale now with all 33 games scheduled at the INTRUST Bank Arena.  For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL. 

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The Wichita Thunder organization is proud to announce the new additions to the 2010-11 Lampton Lightning Girls Dance and Promotional team. 

Congratulations ladies on making the squad and thank you to all who tried out!  The Wichita Thunder and the Lightning Girls send out their thanks to America's Pub for hosting the dance and promotional team tryouts.

The Thunder open the 2010-11 season at home against the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday, October 16th.  Season tickets are available for purchase in full, half, and quarter season packages.  Call 264-GOAL (4625) to order your Wichita Thunder season tickets.

The Wichita Thunder will host their annual golf tournament at Sand Creek Station Golf Course on Saturday, October 2^nd.  The tournament is set for a 1:00 pm shot gun start time. 

Golfers have the opportunity to interact with former and current Thunder players with the option to putt and drive with Thunder players on certain holes.  Prizes for raffle tickets will be awarded, and range from two Thunder season tickets to two roundtrip flights to Las Vegas and much more.  The grand prize will be golf for four at Flint Hills National.  Raffle tickets will be $5 each of five for $20. 

Teams and singles are welcome.  Cost is $400 per four man team or $100 for singles.  Entry fee includes: range balls, green fee, cart, dinner, one raffle ticket and two drink tickets.  Refreshment carts will be on hand throughout the tournament with beers for only $2. 

Sand Creek Station Golf Course is an 18-hole, municipal, links-style course preserving the honored history of Scottish golf-bordering railways.  The course is one of the most highly acclaimed in Kansas; in 2007 Golfweek Magazine ranked Sand Creek Station as the second-best public course in the state.  Golf Digest ranked Sand Creek Station among 2006's best new public courses in America in its January 2008 issue.

To register, submit an entry form located below to the Wichita Thunder office at 505 W. Maple, Suite 100 or call 264-GOAL (4625).  Please make checks payable to Wichita Thunder and mail to:

Wichita Thunder

Attn: Joel Lomurno

505 W. Maple, Suite 100

Wichita, KS 67213

Wichita Thunder Golf Tournament Entry Form

The Annual Wichita Thunder Golf Tournament is brought to you courtesy of: Sand Creek Station Golf Course, Associated Imaging Services, Lampton Welding Supply, Liquid Sun, and Sonic Drive-Ins.

TEMPE, AZ– Central Hockey League (CHL) Commissioner Duane Lewis announced today that the league will recognize two infamous figures for both the CHL and the International Hockey League (IHL) as the title names for the league’s two respective conferences for the 2010-11 season.  The CHL announced on June 1 that they have affiliated with the IHL with five teams joining the CHL for the upcoming season (Bloomington, Dayton, Evansville, Fort Wayne and Quad City).

The new conference alignment announced in July will bear the names of Joseph Turner, the Turner Conference, and N. Thomas Berry, Jr., the Berry Conference.  The team that captures the Turner Conference will win the newly created Turner Trophy and the team that captures the Berry Conference will claim the N. Thomas Berry Trophy.

“We are pleased to name the conferences after individuals who made significant contributions to the sport,” said Lewis.  “Joe Turner’s heroic life is a symbol that all athletes should revere and appreciate and Tom continues to play a large part in the growth and development of the CHL and has served as a role model for many people in the industry.  The Turner and Berry Conferences are very fitting and something all players will strive to win throughout the regular season.”

The Turner Trophy is named for Joseph Turner, a goaltender from Windsor, Ontario who played professionally with the Detroit Red Wings before serving in World War II with the United States Army.  Turner was killed on December 13, 1944 in Belgium during battle.  Turner drew distinction as an amateur goaltender in the Michigan-Ontario amateur league, a forerunner to the IHL, playing on teams in Detroit and Windsor.  Since 1945, the IHL awarded its league championship as the ‘Turner Cup’.  The Fort Wayne Komets have won the Turner Cup as the champions of the IHL for the past three seasons and seven times in the team’s history (1963, 1965, 1973, 1993, 2007, 2008, and 2009).

Tom Berry currently serves as the Commissioner Emeritus for the CHL and has been involved in the sport of hockey for close to a half-century.  He previously spent 13 years with the IHL serving as their commissioner from 1989-1994 adding seven new cities under his command.  The current resident of Indianapolis has served in many capacities in the sport covering the on-ice aspect of officiating all the way to running a hockey team.  In 1974, Berry was the principal investor in the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association.

The teams competing in each conference are listed below.
 
Turner Conference
Bloomington PrairieThunder
Colorado Eagles
Dayton Gems
Fort Wayne Komets
Evansville IceMen
Missouri Mavericks
Quad City Mallards
Rapid City Rush
Wichita Thunder 

Berry Conference
Allen Americans
Arizona Sundogs
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
Laredo Bucks
Mississippi RiverKings
Odessa Jackalopes
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
Texas Brahmas
Tulsa Oilers

About the CHL
The CHL will be entering its 19th season this fall with 18 member teams playing across 12 states.  This season marks a historic one for the league after the CHL and the International Hockey League (IHL), boasting 59 years of professional hockey, joined forces on June 1, 2010 creating a super league.  The CHL and IHL combined to draw close to three million fans during the 2009-10 season.  The CHL is administered by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Global Entertainment Corporation (Global Stock Symbol: GNTP), a company engaged in sports management, multi-purpose events and entertainment center and related real estate development, facility and venue management and marketing, venue food services and venue ticketing.  For more information about the CHL visit the league’s website at www.centralhockeyleague.com and for more information about Global Entertainment visit www.globalentertainment2000.com. 

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The Wichita Thunder unveiled the new look to the Thunder Website Monday morning.  "Our hope is to make it more attractive and user friendly with the changes we've made," said the Thunder staff.  "We felt now was the right time to make these changes to provide a new look and feel for a new era of Thunder hockey." 

Some key changes and additions made to the Thunder website includes: a drop down function on the main menu, the addition of news article images, a slide show featuring the tagline "See it.  Feel it.  The Dawn of a New Era." for the upcoming season, a new background, and coming soon a shopping cart function to buy Thunder merchandise directly from the Thunder website.  These are just a few of the changes that have been made for the new look of the website.  The Thunder will make a few more changes before the new look is complete, including the addition of the shopping cart function.  On the changes still to come the Thunder said, "We will continue to make changes and evolve the website to enhance our fans experience."

The Thunder opens the 2010-11 season on Friday, October 15th at Tulsa.  Wichita's home opener takes place the following night at the INTRUST Bank Arena at 7:05 p.m.  Season tickets are on sale now.  For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder added three players to their roster on Wednesday, signing centers Aaron Davis and Matt Hubbauer and re-signing goaltender Ian Keserich.

Davis enters his ninth professional season and his eighth in the CHL.  The 31-year old Davis scored 20 goals and totaled 67 points while playing in all 64 games for the Tulsa Oilers last season.  Strong on faceoffs, Davis has scored 40 or more points five out of the last seven years, including a career-high 55 with the Austin Ice Bats in 2005-06.  The Dearborn Heights, MI native played four years of college hockey at Lake Superior State University.  Davis played under Kevin McClelland in 2007-08 with the Mississippi RiverKings.

Hubbauer (pronounced huh-BOW-er) scored 25 goals and had 24 assists in 49 games last season for the EIHL's Sheffield Steelers.  The 27-year old played four seasons of Major Juniors with the WHL's Regina Pats, scoring 179 points in 282 games.  A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Hubbauer played 51 games in the AHL with the St. John's Maple Leafs in 2004-05.  Hubbauer totaled 108 points in 118 games during three seasons in Germany from 2006-2009.

Keserich joined the Wichita in a trade with the RiverKings last December.  Despite a 1-19-1 mark in 22 games with the Thunder, Keserich posted a .900 save percentage and a 3.71 goals against average.  The Parma, OH native led the Thunder to their first ever victory at the INTRUST Bank Arena when he made 27 saves in a 1-0 shutout versus Texas on February 21st.  The 24-year old backstop also played under McClelland, and was a teammate of Davis, during his first tour with Mississippi in 2007-08.  Keserich played two seasons of college hockey at Ohio State University.

The trio gives the Thunder seven players under contract for the 2010-11 season.

The Thunder opens the 2010-11 season on Friday, October 15th at Tulsa.  Wichita's home opener takes place the following night at the INTRUST Bank Arena at 7:05 p.m.  Season tickets are on sale now.  For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder announced its schedule for the 2010-2011 CHL season on Friday.

Led by new Head Coach Kevin McClelland, the Thunder opens its 19th season on Friday, October 15th against the Tulsa Oilers at the BOK Center.

The Thunder's 2010-11 home opener is scheduled for Saturday, October 16th versus the Tulsa Oilers at the INTRUST Bank Arena at 7:05 p.m.

The Thunder has a number of marquee matchups on tap, including six games against the defending champion Rapid City Rush and five against the Colorado Eagles.  Wichita has an additional 10 games against long-time rival Tulsa following their home-and-home series on opening weekend.

With the CHL's recent merger with the former IHL, Thunder fans have the opportunity to see three franchises for the first time, beginning with the Bloomington Prairie Thunder on Saturday, November 13th.  The Fort Wayne Komets are in town on Friday, December 10th, while the Quad City Mallards visit on Sunday, March 13th.

The Thunder has road games scheduled against all three new opponents in addition to a late-January visit to Dayton when the Thunder plays a two-game series against the Gems.

The 66-game regular season concludes on Sunday, March 27th when the Thunder hosts the Mississippi RiverKings.  Wichita will face every CHL team at least once this season except for the expansion Evansville IceMen.

The Thunder expects to announce more player signings next week.

Season tickets for the 2010-11 season are on sale now with all 33 of the Thunder's home games scheduled at the INTRUST Bank Arena.  For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder announced the signing of defenseman Daniel Tetrault and right wing Lance Galbraith on Friday.

Tetrault returns to the Thunder after two successful years with the IHL's Port Huron Icehawks.  The La Broquerie, Manitoba native scored 45 points last season for Port Huron which followed a 2008-09 campaign that saw him being named the IHL's Defenseman of the Year.  Tetrault, who will be 31 on opening night, spent three seasons in Wichita from 2005-2008, scoring 30 or more points each year.  Originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the fourth round in 1997, Tetrault has 34 career games in the AHL.

Galbraith enters his 10th professional season, posting 33 points and 171 penalty minutes for the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies last year.  Eight of Galbraith's first nine pro seasons have been spent at either the ECHL or AHL leve.  The Brampton, Ontario native's best season came in 2007-08 when he scored 22 goals and 67 points with 282 PIM for the Idaho Steelheads, helping them to an ECHL championship.

The veteran pair joins defensemen Kory Scoran and Andrew Martens, giving the Thunder four players under contract for the 2010-11 season under new Head Coach Kevin McClelland.

The Thunder drops the puck on the 2010-11 season on Saturday, October 16th at the INTRUST Bank Arena.  Season tickets are on sale now.  For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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TEMPE, AZ– The Central Hockey League (CHL), following approval from the league’s Board of Governors, announced the playoff format for the 2010-11 season on Wednesday.

16 of the league’s 18 teams qualify for the post-season.  The CHL’s regular season now consists of 66 games and runs Friday, October 15th through Sunday, March 27th.  The post-season begins the week of March 28th.

A link to the 2010-11 CHL Playoff Format can be found here: http://www.centralhockeyleague.com/thechl/playoffformat/

On Tuesday, the CHL announced that its 18 member teams have been divided into two conferences of nine.  The North is comprised of Wichita, Bloomington, Colorado, Dayton, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Missouri, Quad City, and Rapid City.  The South consists of Allen, Arizona, Bossier-Shreveport, Laredo, Mississippi, Odessa, Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and Tulsa.

The top eight teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs and are ranked one through eight, with the #1 seed playing the #8 seed, the #2 seed facing the #7 seed, the #3 seed squaring off against the #6 seed, and the #4 seed taking on the #5 seed.  The brackets remain constant throughout the playoffs with no re-seeding.

The first two rounds are best-of-five series while the conference and league finals are both best-of-seven series.  Home ice in the finals is determined by regular season points.

For a complete outline of the 2010-11 CHL Playoff format, visit www.centralhockeyleague.com and view the playoff format link under the heading ‘The CHL’.

Season tickets for the 2010-11 Thunder season are on sale now with all 32 games scheduled at the INTRUST Bank Arena.  Wichita's 2010 home opener is Saturday, October 16th.  For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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TEMPE, AZ– The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced Tuesday the conference alignment for the 18 participating teams for the 2010-11 season as well as the dates of each team’s home openers this Fall.  The CHL announced on June 1 that they have affiliated with the International Hockey League (IHL) marking the 19th year of hockey for the CHL and the 60th year of professional hockey for the IHL.

The new conference alignment will split the teams into two conferences of nine teams with the conference reflecting the geography of the North and South.  In the very near future, the two conferences will be given names reflective of the histories of both the CHL and IHL and new trophies will be introduced for the conference champions, the regular season champions and the league champions.

“We are very excited about the divide between the two conferences and feel the balance and rivalries created will be great for all fans,” said Duane Lewis, CHL Commissioner.  “Followers of both the CHL and IHL will enjoy the introduction of new teams as opponents and the formation of new rivalries.” 

The league’s Board of Governors has approved the following conference alignment for the 2010-11 season:
 
North
Wichita Thunder
Bloomington PrairieThunder
Colorado Eagles
Dayton Gems
Evansville IceMen
Fort Wayne Komets
Missouri Mavericks
Quad City Mallards
Rapid City Rush

South
Allen Americans
Arizona Sundogs
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
Laredo Bucks
Mississippi RiverKings
Odessa Jackalopes
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
Texas Brahmas
Tulsa Oilers
 
Opening night for the 19th CHL season will be Friday, October 15th when 12 teams will take the ice marking six home opening games.  Opening night hosts will be the Allen Americans, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, Colorado Eagles, Missouri Mavericks, Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and Tulsa Oilers. 

The reigning Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup Champion Rapid City Rush will open their 2010-11 season on Saturday, October 23 and the team that hoisted the International Hockey League’s Turner Cup as the league champions, the Fort Wayne Komets, will open their home schedule on Saturday, October 16.

The dates of the home openers for the CHL’s clubs are:   

Allen Americans – Friday, October 15
Arizona Sundogs – Friday, October 22
Bloomington PrairieThunder – Friday, October 22
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs – Friday, October 15
Colorado Eagles – Friday, October 15
Dayton Gems – Saturday, October 16
Evansville IceMen – Saturday, October 23
Fort Wayne Komets – Saturday, October 16
Laredo Bucks – Saturday, October 23
Mississippi RiverKings – Saturday, October 16
Missouri Mavericks – Friday, October 15
Odessa Jackalopes – Thursday, October 28
Quad City Mallards – Saturday, October 16
Rapid City Rush – Saturday, October 23
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees – Friday, October 15
Texas Brahmas – Friday, October 22
Tulsa Oilers – Friday, October 15
Wichita Thunder – Saturday, October 16

The length and dates of the 2010-11 regular season along with the league’s playoff format will be announced later this week.

Season tickets for the 2010-11 Thunder season are on sale now with all 32 games being played at the INTRUST Bank Arena.  For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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Wichita Ice Center- The Wichita Thunder will continue their second clearance sale of the summer on Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until Noon at the Thunder office, located at 505 W. Maple inside the Wichita Ice Center. 

All Thunder merchandise and used game equipment, including jerseys, is marked down to incredibly low prices in order to make room for new 2010-11 Thunder wear.  New Thunder head coach Kevin McClelland will also be on hand to meet fans and sign autographs.

The Thunder begin their 19th CHL season in just 98 days!

TEMPE, AZ- The Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced the participating teams that will compete in the league’s 19th season beginning on Friday, October 15, 2010.

Although some material matters still remain to be worked out with the International Hockey League (IHL), the CHL will welcome four teams from the IHL who will join 13 returning CHL teams for the 2010-11 season.  The participating teams will compete in two conferences during the season.  The four existing IHL markets will be the three-time defending Turner Cup Champion Fort Wayne Komets, the Bloomington PrairieThunder, the Dayton Gems and the Quad City Mallards.

“The CHL and IHL are working on all the logistics of this groundbreaking association between our two great leagues,” said Michael Franke, IHL Chairman of the Board.  “Everything is moving along well and we are very excited about the end result that could be formally announced soon.  It has been a complete pleasure working with the entire Central Hockey League.”

The 2009-10 season saw close to two million CHL fans walk through the turnstiles during the regular season and playoffs culminating with the Rapid City Rush winning the CHL’s Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup in just their second season as a franchise.

The returning CHL teams for the 2010-11 season are the Allen Americans, Arizona Sundogs, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, Colorado Eagles, Laredo Bucks, Mississippi RiverKings, Missouri Mavericks, Odessa Jackalopes, Rapid City Rush, Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, Texas Brahmas, Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder.

“The compilation of teams for the CHL’s 19th season couldn’t be better and we couldn’t have more momentum heading into the season,” said Duane Lewis, CHL Commissioner.  “The new additions from the IHL will be welcomed with open arms and could make this upcoming season one of the most entertaining and competitive in our history.  We can’t wait to drop the puck in October.”

Announcements regarding playoff format, conference alignment, additional cities for the 2010-11 season and other team related issues will be made in the very near future and the 2010-11 CHL regular season schedule is slated to be released in July.

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WICHITA, KS- Thunder Assistant Coach Jason Duda is the recipient of the 2009-10 Rick Kozuback Award, as announced by the Central Hockey League on Monday.

The Rick Kozuback Award is named for the former President of the Western Professional Hockey League and current President/CEO of Global Entertainment Corporation, the CHL’s parent company.  The award is presented annually to the Central Hockey League owner, front office staff member, coach, or player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, determination and commitment to the game, sport and business of hockey.

Duda opened 2009-10 on the Thunder's roster, his 14th in a Wichita uniform.  An early season back injury that required surgery forced him to the sidelines before taking over as the team's Head Coach in mid-November.  Following the season, Duda formally announced his retirement and accepted a position to stay on as the Thunder's Assistant Coach.  Duda finishes his career as the Thunder's all-time leader in games played, goals, assists, and points.

The Thunder organization also finished second to the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees for Game Operations Franchise of the Year.

The Thunder opens the 2010-11 season in mid-October with all 32 of their home games played at the new INTRUST Bank Arena.  Season tickets are on sale now.  For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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Be sure to watch the KPTS Channel 8 telethon tonight from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

The Wichita Thunder front office staff will be assissting with their pledge drive by answering the phones and all fans who call in and make a donation of at least $20 will receive two (2) tickets to a regular season game during the 2010-11 Thunder season.

The telethon will be hosted by Red Green, whose Red Green Show aired on CBC from 1991-2006.  The Red Green Show is essentially a cross between a sitcom and a sketch comedy series, and is a parody of home improvement, do-it-yourself, fishing, and other outdoors shows. Reruns currently air on CBC Television, The Comedy Network, and various PBS stations.

Red Green (Steve Smith), a Canadian, closes out his show each night by reminding viewers to "keep your stick on the ice."

(from www.centralhockeyleague.com) 

TEMPE, AZ- In a joint announcement that marks a historic day for minor professional hockey, two of pro hockey’s most storied leagues, the Central Hockey League (CHL) and International Hockey have entered into a letter of intent to form a “AA” level super league beginning in the 2010-11 season.  We plan to play under the Central Hockey League, CHL, moniker, with the identity of the IHL being maintained through various aspects that will be announced in the near future.  Leaders of the CHL and IHL will meet during the week ahead to work out the remaining material terms.

“The arrangement between the CHL and the IHL should create an innovative and exciting "AA" level professional hockey league which is scheduled to start play in the 2010-2011 season,” said Dennis Hextall, IHL Commissioner.  “The two leagues each have longstanding histories and share the common goal of solidifying minor professional hockey for our players, our passionate fans and their communities.  I believe this arrangement will enable our teams to recruit the best young talent to join our league, with the potential of improving their game and moving up to the higher leagues.”

“This is an exciting day for our teams and markets,” said Duane Lewis, CHL Commissioner.  “Both leagues have worked hard to establish tremendous entertainment at a great value for their fans, and by combining our resources we believe we can strengthen those efforts providing greater fan interest as well as a stronger brand.”

Operating guidelines, including the teams competing in the CHL, divisional alignment, the 2010-11 regular season schedule and various hockey operations issues will be discussed at the CHL Summer Conference (league meetings) occurring June 3-5 in Gilbert, Arizona and will continue at the IHL meetings in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 21-23.

The CHL competed with 15 teams during the 2009-10 season with the Rapid City Rush taking home the Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup title, while the IHL competed with seven teams with the Fort Wayne Komets winning their seventh Turner Cup Championship and third straight league title.

This will be the 19th season for the CHL whose teams cover nine states.  The league saw close to two million fans attend games in each of the last two seasons and has regularly been the North American professional “AA” hockey league leader in average attendance.  This season, the CHL was the top “AA” hockey league in playoff attendance.  In the league’s history, a total of 88 players have played in both the National Hockey League and the CHL.

The 2010-2011 season will mark the 60th year of professional hockey for the International Hockey League, which was comprised last season of seven Midwestern teams in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.  More than 900,000 fans attended IHL hockey games this past season, and a sell-out crowd of 10,480 fans watched the Fort Wayne Komets win the 2010 Turner Cup over the Flint Generals at the Coliseum last month.  Nine players who played on IHL teams this past season had prior NHL experience, while many more have played for their respective national teams and professionally abroad.  The IHL's Commissioner, Dennis Hextall, spent more than ten years as a player in the National Hockey League, and serves as President of the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association.

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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder announced their first signings for the 2010-11 season, adding defensemen Kory Scoran and Andrew Martens.

Scoran has spent his entire professional career in the ECHL, playing for former Thunder Head Coach Derek Laxdall with the Idaho Steelheads from 2006-2009.  The 29-year old totaled a career-high 33 points last season, including 28 assists.  A native of Winnipeg, Scoran helped the Steelheads to the 2007 Kelly Cup, scoring seven points in 22 postseason games.  Scoran stands at six-foot three, 220 pounds, and played four seasons of college hockey at Lake Superior State University.

Martens also brings a wealth of ECHL experience, as well as 27 games at the AHL level.  The 29-year old scored 37 points in 72 games last season for the Ontario Reign.  The Friendswood, TX native has scored 30 or more points and has appeared in 70 or more games in each of his first four full professional seasons.  Martens played three years of college hockey at Bemidji State University.

"Both Kory and Andrew exemplify the type of players we are looking to bring here this season", said new Thunder Head Coach Kevin McClelland.  "They move the puck well, give 100% every night and will provide leadership both on and off the ice.  They instantly give us two captains on the power play and should rank among the top offensive defensemen in the CHL this season."

The Thunder opens the 2010-11 season in mid-October.  All 32 of the Thunder's home games are scheduled at the INTRUST Bank Arena, honored as the CHL's best venue in its annual 'Best-of-the-Best" Poll.  Season tickets are on sale now.  For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder introduced four-time Stanley Cup champion and former Central Hockey League Coach of the Year Kevin McClelland as the 12th Head Coach in franchise history at a Monday press conference.

A former fourth round draft pick of the Hartford Whalers in 1980, McClelland spent 12 seasons playing in the NHL, most notably for the Edmonton Oilers' dynasty during the mid-1980's.  The Oshawa, Ontario native helped the Oilers win four Stanly Cups in a five-year span from 1984-1988.  A gritty right winger, McClelland totaled 1,672 PIM in 588 career NHL games while chipping in 180 points.

"We are thrilled to be able to hire someone as high-caliber as Kevin", said Thunder General Manager Joel T. Lomurno.  "He is the complete package when it comes to coaching.  He is a great recruiter, he is a proven winner, he is a personable, yet no-nonsense, and he is highly respected both by his players and his peers."

McClelland spent five years as an Assistant Coach for the AHL's St. John's Maple Leafs before earning his first job as a professional Head Coach with the Memphis RiverKings in 2005-06.  After a 22-37-5 campaign in his first year behind the bench, McClelland restored the RiverKings' franchise back to prominence the following season, leading Memphis to a 39-19-6 record that earned him CHL Coach of the Year honors.

After guiding the RiverKings to another postseason appearance in 2007-08, McClelland accepted Head Coaching duties for the Colorado Eagles.  During his two seasons in Loveland, McClelland compiled a league-best record of 87-30-11 that included a division title, two postseason appearances, and a trip to the 2009 President's Cup Finals.  In total, McClelland has reached the CHL playoffs in four consecutive years.

"I want to thank Horn Chen for understanding and helping us do whatever it took to ensure that Kevin was the next coach of the Wichita Thunder", said Lomurno.

The Thunder begins the 2010-2011 season in mid-October.  All 32 of the Thunder's home games will be played at the INTRUST Bank Arena.  Season ticket deposits are being accepted now.  For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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WICHITA, KS- Jason Duda, the Wichita Thunder's all-time leader in every major offensive category, officially announced his retirement at a Monday press conference and will take over as the team's Assistant Coach.

After spending 14 years in a Thunder uniform, Duda retires as the franchise's all-time leader in games played (730), goals (337), assists (533), and points (870).  From 2001-2003, Duda played in 225 consecutive games which stands as the longest streak in Thunder history and the third longest in CHL history.

"Jason is an icon in this city and one of the CHL's all-time greats", said Thunder General Manager Joel T. Lomurno.  "His skill, leadership, and professionalism will be greatly missed by our fans and our organization, but we are pleased that he will still be a part of the Thunder family."

Duda's professional career began in 1996 with the rival Oklahoma City Blazers.  Wichita acquired Duda on December 19, 1996 where he went on to compile one of the greatest careers in CHL history.  Duda ranks second all-time in games played (745), and third in goals (339), assists (539), and points (878).

Duda's signature moment came during the 1997 playoffs when he scored the series-clinching overtime goal against Oklahoma City in Game Four of the opening round.  The 34-year old scored 60 or more points in a season nine times and had 80 or more points five times.  Duda's best season came in 2004-05 when he had a career-high 96 points which led the CHL and was also a finalist for the 2005 CHL's Most Valuable Player Award.

Duda got off to a hot start last season, scoring two goals and three assists in five games, but missed the remainder of the season due to a back injury that required surgery.  Duda took over as interim Head Coach in early November and held the position through the end of the 2009-10 season.

Duda's announcement followed the Thunder's introduction of Kevin McClelland as the 12th Head Coach in franchise history.

The Thunder begins the 2010-2011 season in mid-October.  All 32 of the Thunder's home games will be played at the INTRUST Bank Arena.  Season ticket deposits are being accepted now.  For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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No the Thunder aren't moving again....  but since they moved across the street to the Wichita Ice Center they need to clear out some room!  Friday, April 16^th from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. they're clearing out the closet with a huge merchandise sale!  Located on the East side of the Wichita Ice Center, in front of the Thunder Office, items such as: Jerseys, T-shirts, Grab Bags, Other Thunder Merchandise, Plus Thunder Player Equipment... yeah that's right, Thunder Player Equipment will be on sale!  Come early as items will be flying off the racks!  Call 264-GOAL for details.

The Thunder Office is located at 505 W. Maple, Suite 100 on the East side of the Wichita Ice Center.

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder captured three awards and placed in five overall categories in the Central Hockey League's annual 'Best of the Best' poll.

The brand new INTRUST Bank Arena took home honors for 'Best Arena' and 'Best Locker Rooms'.  The state-of-the-art facility opened early in the new year and hosted its first Thunder game on January 23rd in front of a franchise-record crowd of 13,412.

The new arena has drawn two other crowds in excess of 9,000, leading to a meteoric rise in the CHL attendance standings.  The Thunder ranked second in the league late last week after 9,074 fans watched the Thunder battle Arizona on March 1st.

The INTRUST Bank Arena also ranked third in the 'Best Press Box' category.  Wichita's new press area features a unique two-level design that provides visiting broadcasters an eagle-eye view of the action.

Local Dondlinger Construction teamed with Scottsdale, AZ-based Hunt Construction Group, Inc. in late 2007 to build the arena which is currently managed by SMG.

Thunder fans were voted the 'Most Annoying' for a seventh consecutive year, while Sonic Thunderdog finished a close second to Rio Grande Valley's Sir-Sting-A-Lot for the league's 'Best Mascot'.  Thunderdog fell short by just two total points, and tied for the most first place votes.

Votes were compiled by league coaches, players, and media representatives.  You can read the full story on this year's poll, written by Odessa Jackalopes' beat writer Lee Scheide at www.centralhockeyleague.com

The Thunder is back in action on Wednesday when they host the Colorado Eagles at 7:05 p.m.  For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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Wichita, KS- Effective today the Wichita Thunder has moved offices back to the Wichita Ice Center, located at 505 W. Maple, Suite 100. 

For the next couple of days the Thunder may be without phone, fax and email as we make this switch.  We are also temproarily without ticket computers.  If you need to purchase tickets for the remaining three Thunder home games, please go the box office at INTRUST Bank Arena.  Thank you for your patience.  The Thunder return home on Wednesday, March 10 versus the Colorado Eagles.

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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder lost 3-1 to the Odessa Jackalopes on Saturday night in the final game at the Kansas Coliseum.

The Thunder took an early 1-0 lead at the 2:05 mark in the first period.  Brent Ottmann collected a cross-ice pass from Kyle Bruce and backhanded it past the right of Jackalopes' goaltender Juha Toivonen.  Wichita's penalty kill survived several Odessa power play chances, including nearly half a minute of five-on-three in the closing minute of the period.

Wichita staved off 3:28 worth of penalties to start the second that carried over from the opening frame.  Later in the second, Ian Keserich preserved the 1-0 lead, stopping a two-on-one with less than five minutes
left.

Kenny Bernard made a centering pass in front of the crease that Mike Ramsay chipped into the net at 3:41 to tie the game.  At 16:08, Ramsay struck shorhanded, nailing the backdoor after Keserich had made two more spectacular saves on an Odessa odd-man rush.  Wichita pulled Kerseich in the final minute but could not tie the game, with Ramsay assisting on Bernard's empty net goal to make it 3-1.

Keserich stopped 32 of 34 in the loss, his fourth straight in a Thunder uniform.  Juha Toivonen picked up the win, saving 23 of 24.  Both teams were 0 for 6 on the power play.

The Thunder next plays on Saturday when they take on the Allen Americans in Allen, TX.  Wichita's first game at the INTRUST Bank Arena is Saturday, January 23rd versus the Tulsa Oilers.  For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder announced its "All-Kansas Coliseum Team" prior to the building's final game on Saturday night.

The six-player squad is composed of forwards Jason Duda, Travis Clayton, and Tom Roulston, defensemen Sean O'Reilly and Brad Knelson, and goaltender Bobby Desjardins.

Duda is in his 14th consecutive season with the Thunder and is the franchise's all-time leader in games played (730), goals (337), assists (533), and points (870), records that were all broken last season.  Duda also ranks second all-time in CHL history in games played, and third in goals, assists, and points.  Born in Sexsmith, Alberta, Duda produced one of the Coliseum's most memorable moments when he scored in overtime in Game Four of the 1997 CHL Quarterfinals to eliminate rival Oklahoma City.  Earlier this season, Duda took over as Head Coach of the Thunder.

Clayton spent 11 seasons in Wichita, and still ranks second in Thunder history in games played, goals, assists, and points.  Last season, the Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan native broke the CHL's record for games played and is currently second in CHL history in goals, assists, and points.

Roulston was a member of the Thunder's second championship team, scoring 30 points in 23 games down the stretch of 1995.  Roulston added 24 more points in just 11 playoff contests helping the Thunder capture back-to-back league titles.  Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the third round in 1977, Roulston spent five seasons in the NHL, appearing in 195 games for the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins.  The Winnipeg, Manitoba native was also a member of the original Central Hockey League, playing two seasons for the Wichita Wind from 1980-1982.

O'Reilly spent five seasons in a Thunder sweater from 1997-2002, averaging over 185 penalty minutes per season, and twice finishing with more than 200.  The London, Ontario native's 926 PIM rank fourth in Thunder history, while his 169 points are first among Thunder blue liners.  Nicknamed "The Junkyard Dog", O'Reilly helped the Thunder to three consecutive playoff berths from 1998-2000.

Knelson (pronounced kuh-NELL-son) played three seasons for the Wichita Wind from 1980-1983, teaming with Roulston to help the Wind reach the playoffs in both 1981 and 1982.  Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the third round in 1978, Knelson averaged 24 points and 163 penalty minutes per season during his time in Wichita.  The native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan also played two seasons in the AHL.

Desjardins manned the crease during the Thunder's first two seasons, winning the CHL's inaugural Rookie of the Year award in 1993, and helping the Thunder win their first championship the following season.  Born in Verdun, Quebec, Desjardins went 38-12-5 during the 1993-94 season and won the CHL's Bill Levins Most Valuable Player award before posting an 8-2 mark in the postseason.  To this day, Desjardins still ranks first in Thunder history in wins, minutes played, and saves.  He is also one of only three players to have his number (#35) retired by the Thunder.

The Thunder leaves the Coliseum with a composite record of 337-224-52 (.600) record in the regular season and playoffs.  The Thunder's first game was played on November 4th, 1992 when Wichita defeated the Fort Worth Fire 6-4.  The Thunder clinched its second championship on April 18th, 1995 at the Coliseum, beating the San Antonio Iguanas 9-4 in Game Six of the CHL Finals.

Wichita's first game at the INTRUST Bank Arena is Saturday, January 23rd versus the Tulsa Oilers.  For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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ST. LOUIS, MO- The Wichita Thunder today sadly announce the passing of long time goal judge Gary "Doc" Paul.

Earlier this season the Thunder, in conjuction with the National Foundation for Transplants, held a fundraiser for Doc helping him raise money for a double lung transplant.  The event raised over $20,000 for the cause.  Doc was in St. Louis awaiting a transplant when he passed away earlier today.

"In all of my 17 years in Wichita I never met a friendlier person than Doc Paul", said Thunder general manager Joel T. Lomurno.  "He was a great friend and a great asset to our organization who will be dearly missed."

Doc Paul, who was a realtor at Crown III Realty, worked nearly every home game in the history of the Thunder, as well as every home game for the Wichita Wind of the old Central Hockey League from 1980-83.  A memorial service for Doc will be held next week.

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