CHL Wichita Thunder

2013 CHL Man of the Year Announces Retirement

November 27, 2013 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


Wichita, KS (November 27th) - Travis Wight has been an integral part of the Wichita community over the last four years and today announced his retirement from the game of hockey. Wight, who was the recipient of last year's CHL Man of the Year honors, will stay on board with the team as an assistant coach and help in the community relations department to finish out the season.

Wight, 31, played an eight-year career that began in 2006-07 for former Thunder Head Coach Derek Laxdal. As a rookie, he played in 70 games that season and helped the Steelheads to a Kelly Cup Championship. His +27 rating was best among ECHL rookies and fifth overall. He joined the Thunder in 2010-11 and has been a big reason for the Thunder's turnaround since the nine-win season back in 2009-10. The Fannystelle, Manitoba native donned the assistant captain the last few years and helped the team to two-straight CHL Finals appearances. He will certainly miss playing in front of the Thunder faithful.

"Wichita was a great career move for myself," commented Wight. "Not only did I experience a great hockey program, I received a Master's Degree from Newman University, student taught in the Goddard school division and was involved in the community as much as I could be. I made a lot of great connections here and would like to thank the fans, families and friends I have met along the way."

Wight was approaching Jason Duda's franchise record for most consecutive games played at 225, which occurred from March 3rd, 2000 to November 18th, 2003. Wight will conclude his career having played in 214-straight games in a Thunder uniform. He will never take the game for granted and appreciates every moment he was out on the ice.

"It will different not playing anymore since it has been such a big part of my life for so long," he said. "I was fortunate to win two professional championships in Idaho (ECHL) and Nijmegen (Europe). I will have a lot of great memories that I will never forget and would like to think I left it all on the ice every night."

As he looks ahead, Wight's goals are to move into the coaching ranks and sees this as an opportunity to gain some much needed experience.

"This was an easy transition for me. This past summer, I had interviews for assistant coaching positions at the University of Maine (NCAA) and the Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL). The major thing I was lacking was experience and this will fulfill that need."

The Thunder thank #27 for his dedication to this organization and wish him the best of luck as he transitions into coaching.

Wichita closes out its season-long home-stand this week with a pair of games against the Brampton Beast beginning tonight at 7:05 p.m. Bring a canned good to the Thunder office and receive a buy one, get one free voucher good for the Thunder's game on December 5th. All canned goods will be donated to Interfaith Ministries. Friday is the team's annual Toys for Tots Night, where fans can donate a new toy and receive a buy one, get one free voucher good for the Thunder's game on December 5th.

Individual game tickets are on sale now. Season tickets and mini plans are still available. Don't delay, contact the Wichita Thunder Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (316) 264-4625. Stay up-to-date on all the news this off-season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com.

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Central Hockey League Stories from November 27, 2013


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