CHL MVP Finalist Returns to Wichita
Published on June 15, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS (June 15th)- The Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League kicked off its off-season by bringing back CHL MVP Finalist Matt Robinson for the 2012-13 season.
Robinson, 26, has been a major part of the rebuilding process that has taken place under Head Coach Kevin McClelland. The South Surrey, BC native was third on the team in scoring with 34 goals and 24 assists. He recorded three straight game-winners that helped earn him Oakley Player of the Week Honors for the week of February 20th and was named the Oakley Number One Star for the month.
"Matt has been an important part of our success the past two seasons," commented McClelland. "He is an important part of the puzzle as we gear up for a new year."
Robinson had a terrific month of February with 12 goals, six assists and was a +11. He had four multi-goal games and scored five of his 10 game-winning goals during the month. He was also named to the CHL All-Star squad, where he tallied two goals and one assist. With his three-point performance, Robinson has combined to score six points (5g, 1a) and 14 shots on net in the past two CHL All-Star games.
During the playoffs last season, Robinson scored one of the biggest goals in Thunder history. His overtime goal against the Texas Brahmas in Game Six sent Wichita to the CHL Finals for the first time in 14 seasons. He finished the post-season with eight points (3g, 5a).
"I am really excited to be coming back to Wichita," commented Robinson. "Last season was great, but we have some unfinished business and I want to be a part of bringing a championship to Wichita."
Robinson was acquired in the 2010-11 season in a trade with the Laredo Bucks and went on to lead the Thunder in goals scored with 39, earning team MVP honors. Robinson spent the first four years of his career at the ECHL level, beginning with a 21-goal campaign as a rookie for the Alaska Aces in 2006-07. The 6-foot-1, 186-lb forward returned to Alaska the following year and scored another 19 goals and 18 assists in 58 games. He played three seasons of juniors, including two at the Major Junior level in the WHL from 2004-2006. Robinson scored 79 goals and 150 total points in 174 career junior games.
Wichita Thunder season tickets for 2012-13 are now on sale. A $50 dollar non-refundable deposit is required for all season tickets. Contact the Wichita Thunder Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (316) 264-4625 if you are interested in season tickets. Stay up-to-date on all the news this off-season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from June 15, 2012
- CHL MVP Finalist Returns to Wichita - Wichita Thunder
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- Ed Belfour and Katy Waugh of the Mississippi Surge on latest Puska on Pucks - OSC Original by Denis Puska
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