A decade of Clayton
Published on June 8, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder today announced the signing of All-Star center Travis Clayton.
A 10th-year veteran out of Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan, Clayton is coming off another stellar season in which he finished ninth in the CHL with 83 points. Clayton finished third on the Thunder in scoring last season, the first time since his rookie season in 1997-98 that he did not finish in the top two. Still, despite missing six games due to injury, Clayton tied for the team-lead with 56 assists.
The all-time Thunder leader in games played, with 570, Clayton has played all but 12 games during his pro career in a Thunder uniform. He was called up to the International Hockey League during the 2000-01 season, notching three points between the Detroit Vipers and the Kansas City Blades.
Clayton, who turned 30 in March, had numerous highlights last season, including his fourth career hat trick and sixth CHL All-Star Game appearance. He recorded his 700th career point on March 1st and is the all-time Thunder leading scorer with 716. Clayton is also the all-time Thunder leader in goals (280), assists (436), power play goals (90), shorthanded goals (23), game-winning goals (40) and plus/minus (+126).
A big part of Clayton's success, especially the last two seasons, is due to his linemates Jason Duda and Joe Blaznek, with whom he has combined to form the highest scoring line in the CHL. The trio piled up 102 goals and 269 points last season, led by Blaznek's 44 goals and 100 points. Blaznek is already signed for next season, with Duda expected to re-join the Thunder for his 11th season as well. Duda and Clayton, as well as Sonic Thunderdog will appear at the grand opening of the Northwest YMCA this Saturday from 3:00-4:00 p.m., located at 13838 W. 21st Street.
The next milestone for Clayton is the CHL's 800-point club, currently occupied by just two players: Joe Burton (985 points) and Doug Lawrence (875 points). Clayton also ranks fifth in CHL history for goals, assists and games played.
The Thunder, the 2006 CHL's Most Improved Franchise of the Year, will begin their 15th season on October 20th. Wichita finished the 2005-06 season ranked second in the CHL and seventh overall among North America's 54 "AA" hockey teams, averaging 5,719 fans per game.
The Thunder will continue holding Stanley Cup Finals watch parties at the following locations:
Game 3- Saturday, June 10 (NBC) 7:00 PM Buffalo Wild Wings West 2413 N. Maize Road
Game 4- Monday, June 12 (NBC) 7:00 PM Fox & Hound (pending) 1421 N. Waterfront Parkway
Game 5- Wednesday, June 14 (NBC) 7:00 PM Buffalo Wild Wings West 2413 N. Maize Road
Thunder season tickets, still the least expensive in the CHL, are on sale now, ranging from $256 to $408. For more information, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from June 8, 2006
- Coach McClelland to be on ESPN's outside the lines Friday night - Mississippi RiverKings
- RiverKings add winger for 2006-07 season - Mississippi RiverKings
- Jacks Begin Planning for 10th Year Anniversary - Odessa Jackalopes
- Standish and Fleck Return for 06-07 - Oklahoma City Blazers
- A decade of Clayton - Wichita Thunder
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