Jr. Thunder Sign Two, Add Son of Thunder Head Coach
October 3, 2013 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS (October 3rd) - The Wichita Junior Thunder is excited to announce the addition of Jack McClelland as well as the return of Alex Smith, who played for the team last season.
McClelland, 17, played Tier 1 Midget Major with Russell Stover last season and scored three goals with five assists while racking up 72 penalty minutes in 40 games. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound forward is the son of current Thunder Head Coach Kevin McClelland, who had a decorated NHL career highlighted by winning four Stanley Cups. A native of Oshawa, Ontario, McClelland spent time in pre-season camp with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League before coming to Wichita. McClelland played for the combined Wichita Warriors high school team before heading north last season.
"Jack will be a welcome addition to the Wichita Junior Thunder," said Head Coach Rob Weingartner. "He is exactly the type of player our team needs at this point of the season. I expect Jack to be involved in all situations, including scoring and bring a physical presence our team had been lacking."
Smith, 17, suited up in 41 games for the Wichita Junior Thunder last season and posted four assists to go along with 31 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defenseman returns home to play as he grew up in the area. Coach Weingartner is very excited to be bringing Alex back saying that he will be expected to contribute offensively and be a physical presence on the blue line.
"Obviously we have not been competitive enough to this point of the season here in the WHSL," said Weingartner. "Bringing in players like Jack and Alex will send notice to our team that our performance is not acceptable and we will make the necessary changes to be able to compete in a very strong WSHL Junior A hockey league."
Ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are still available for the current 2013-2014 season. Contact Robert Slaughter either by e-mail at rslaughter@wichitathunder.com or in the Junior Thunder Office located at the Wichita Ice Center Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Central Hockey League Stories from October 3, 2013
- Jr. Thunder Sign Two, Add Son of Thunder Head Coach - Wichita Thunder
- Mavericks Add Two from Chicago Wolves Camp - Kansas City Mavericks
- Sundogs Training Camp Opens October 7th - Arizona Sundogs
- Mallards Sign Defenseman Rioux - Quad City Mallards
- Chill Adds Bart Hull to Front Office - St. Charles Chill
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.
