CHL announces awards finalists
March 8, 2005 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Central Hockey League today named Thunder left wing Jason Duda as one of six finalists for the CHL Most Valuable Player Award and Wichita's Paul Esdale as a finalist for the CHL Defenseman of the Year Award.
Duda, a ninth-year pro out of Sexsmith, Alberta, currently leads the CHL with 59 assists and 87 points. He is second in Thunder history in every offensive category and ranks among the top nine in CHL history for goals (245), assists (372), points (617) and games played (510).
Duda missed his first game of the season last night due to injury, but is expected back in the Thunder lineup this weekend. It is the first time he has been among the finalists for a CHL MVP Award. Goaltender Bobby Desjardins is the only Thunder player to win the CHL MVP award, doing so in the 1993-94 season.
Esdale, a third-year pro from Edmonton, Alberta, is having a record-breaking season. His 21 goals are the most among any defenseman in pro hockey (95 teams) and are already a Thunder single-season record for a defenseman. His 11 power play goals are also a Thunder single-season record for a blueliner.
With 58 points, Esdale ranks second among all CHL defensemen, three points behind Derek Landmesser of the Memphis RiverKings. No Thunder player has ever received the CHL Defenseman of the Year Award.
All CHL Awards will be determined thru voting by CHL coaches, PR/Broadcasting Staff and Media. The winners will be announced over the next two weeks.
The Thunder, one of just two CHL teams to clinch a playoff spot, return to action on Wednesday when they host the Fort Worth Brahmas at 7:00 p.m. The Thunder will host the Memphis RiverKings on Friday and the Topeka Tarantulas on Saturday in the regular season home finale. Both games will face-off at 7:30 p.m.
Playoff Packages for the 2005 postseason are on sale now. Individual playoff tickets are expected to go on sale Monday and Wichita's first round playoff schedule could be announced as early as Friday. To order your tickets or for more information, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at http://www.wichitathunder.com/.
Central Hockey League Stories from March 8, 2005
- Dolson Leads Odessa to 3-1 Win Over Bees - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Bucks Beat Blazers, 4-2 - Laredo Bucks
- Rayz recognized in CHL award poll - Corpus Christi IceRays
- CHL announces awards finalists - Wichita Thunder
- Give Blood Play Hockey Part II This Saturday - Laredo Bucks
- Hiebert Named Oakley CHL Player Of The Week - Laredo Bucks
- RiverKings playoff chase and winning streak to be topics on coach's show - Mississippi RiverKings
- Oakley CHL Player & Goaltender of the Week Announced - CHL
- Colorado Eagles week in review - Colorado Eagles
- Killver Bees vs. Odessa Game Night Preview - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Saints Named Second Hardest Working Team In The CHL - San Angelo Saints
- Bucks Lose 2-1 In Overtime In Wichita - Laredo Bucks
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.
