CHL Wichita Thunder

Champion Weingartner Honored by Thunder

Published on March 20, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder retired jersey #15 to honor former Thunder player and Head Coach Rob Weingartner on Friday night at the Kansas Coliseum. The ceremony took place prior to the Thunder's final home game versus the Tulsa Oilers.

A member of the original Thunder squad in 1992-93, as well as a captain on both the 1994 and 1995 Thunder championship teams, Weingartner played in 149 games for Wichita over the course of four seasons, scoring 47 goals and 85 total points in his Thunder career.

Known for his fearless attitude and hard style of play, Weingartner ranks ninth in Thunder history with 564 penalty minutes, and is tied for sixth all-time with 40 fighting majors. Weingartner earned the Thunder's Most Improved Player award in both 1993 and 1994. The following season, Weingartner was honored as the 1995 Thunder Players' Player, awarded annually to the player deemed most valuable by his teammates. Weingartner was no different in big games, scoring 15 points and totaling 79 penalty minutes in 22 playoff contests with the Thunder.

"For all that Rob and his family have done for our organization, this is the least that we can do for him", said Thunder General Manager Joel T. Lomurno. "Rob will always epitomize Thunder hockey and now every fan who passes thru the Kansas Coliseum and soon the Intrust Bank Arena will be forever reminded of that."

Weingartner, who joined the Thunder as a rookie, went on to play eight seasons of professional hockey, including four in the ECHL. In 447 career games played, Weingartner racked up 1,726 penalty minutes, while also contributing 308 points. Weingartner spent four seasons with the ECHL's Louisiana IceGators, three of which were played under Doug Shedden, who coached the Thunder to their 1994 and 1995 championships with Weingartner playing key roles in both. Later in his career, Weingartner played four summers of professional roller hockey.

Following his playing career, Weingartner rejoined the Thunder organization as a coaching assistant for the 2006-07 season. On December 9th, 2007, Weingartner assumed the helm of the Thunder bench and was named the ninth Head Coach in team history. Five days later, he earned his first victory in a 3-2 overtime win over the Odessa Jackalopes.

Weingartner joins former teammates and fellow champions Ron Handy (#9) and Bobby Desjardins (#35) as the only three players in the 17-year history of the Thunder franchise to have their numbers retired. After Weingartner was the first Thunder player to wear #15, 13 other players have donned the number on the back of their sweater, with current right wing Marc Belanger becoming the last.

A native of Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, Weingartner has made Wichita his permanent home for several years now. He and his wife Renee recently opened the Penalty Box, a hockey themed sports bar located at West MacArthur and Ridge. Earlier this year, Weingartner was diagnosed with colon cancer. The Thunder and its fans continue to support Weingartner and his family during his battle. The Thunder's annual telethon, as well as the annual Thunder vs. Plunder Wheelchair game earlier this week helped raise money for Weingartner's cause.

The Thunder finishes the 2008-09 season tomorrow night, heading to the Ford Center to take on the Oklahoma City Blazers. Season ticket orders and renewals are being accepted for the 2009-10 season, which will be split between the Kansas Coliseum and the new Intrust Bank Arena downtown. For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 20, 2009


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