NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



 Wichita Thunder

Original Owner of the Wichita Wind Larry Gordon Passes Away

March 21, 2013 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


Wichita, KS (March 21st) - The Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League would like to honor the legacy of Larry Gordon, who passed away Tuesday. Gordon was instrumental in bringing hockey to Wichita in the 1980's as the original owner of the Wichita Wind. Gordon suffered through complications with his circulation and will be sadly missed.

Gordon served as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers in their first season in the NHL in 1979-80. He is widely known for his role in signing Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, who at the time was playing with the Indianapolis Racers of the WHA. Gordon left the Oilers in the summer of 1980 and moved to Wichita where he started the Wind franchise from scratch. With him came hand-picked Head Coach Garnet "Ace" Bailey, who was a 31-year old former Oilers player. Bailey died at the age of 53 while aboard United Airlines Flight 175 that crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001.

He quickly learned about Kansas as his first summer was during the heat wave that saw 50-straight 100 degree days. Wichita State University Basketball was in its heyday at the time, but Gordon was able to assemble a very competitive franchise that consisted of players like Andy Moog, Tom Roulston and Don Murdoch. During their first season, the Wind finished in sixth place with a record of 32-45-3. The club was able to make it all the way to the Adams Cup Finals against the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, but lost in the seventh and deciding game 5-2 on May 18th, 1981.

"I have several great stories about Larry Gordon, but in providing a quote I would offer that Larry was man with a great zest for life, he approached our minor league franchise with a major league commitment," commented Tom Roulston, former member of the inaugural team in 1980-81 who also played for the Wichita Thunder in 1994-95. "Larry was a friend, a mentor and a guy who looked at life through the same lens I did. Hockey lost a friend this past Tuesday."

The Wind lasted three seasons before Gordon signed an agreement to move the Wind to Billings, Montana and would become the Montana Magic in April, 1983. Gordon sold 40% stake in the franchise to the Ermineskin Indian Band of Alberta, Canada for $400,000. He eventually would own teams in Muskegon, MI and Cleveland, OH. Gordon ended up calling Rochester, NY home before passing away.

Gordon is survived by his sons Larry and David Gordon and daughter, Victoria Gordon. To read more about him, click ers-nhl-gm-passes-away/ or ry-Gordon?gcheck1&nclick_check1

Wichita returns to home-ice on Friday, March 22nd against the Allen Americans. For tickets, call 755-SEAT, visit the INTRUST Bank Arena box office or online at www.selectaseat.com.

Wichita Thunder playoff packages are on sale now. There are many ways to get involved, so be a part of the Blue Revolution and the Thunder's quest for a CHL Title. Contact the Wichita Thunder Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (316) 264-4625 or visit the fan relations table behind section 120 at any Wichita Thunder home game for more information. Join the Blue Revolution today!


• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...

Central Hockey League Stories from March 21, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Wichita Thunder Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central