Kevin McClelland Named 2011-12 CHL Coach of the Year
Published on March 22, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS (March 22nd) - The Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League is excited to announce that Head Coach Kevin McClelland has been selected the recipient of the 2011-12 Central Hockey League Coach of the Year Award following balloting among all 14 CHL head coaches. This is McClelland's second Coach of the Year Award as he earned the honor back in 2006-07 while guiding the Memphis RiverKings to a 39-19-6 record and a trip to the Northern Conference Finals. He becomes just the second coach in CHL history to win this distinguished award twice.
The Coach of the Year award is 'presented annually to the Central Hockey League coach adjudged to have contributed most to his team's success.'
McClelland has done a remarkable job in turning the Thunder around and was rewarded with Best Coach honors in this year's Best-of-the-Best poll. In two seasons with Wichita, McClelland has 78 wins. Under his tutelage, Wichita went from nine wins back in 2009-10 to 44 wins this season with three games left. McClelland finished third in voting for the 2011 CHL Coach of the Year.
This past Tuesday, McClelland collected his second Governor's Cup for the most points in the regular season and also a Berry Conference regular season title. He also guided the Colorado Eagles to a Governor's Cup back in 2008-09 with a record of 45-15-4. Wichita's 6-5 win over Texas also secured the number one overall seed and home-ice for the CHL playoffs. With one more win, McClelland can set a new franchise record for most wins in a single season and also can set a new road mark as this year's squad tied its all-time record away from home with its 20th win Tuesday night.
Earlier this year, McClelland joined an elite club, coaching in his 400th game on November 25th as Wichita beat Tulsa 4-2. He is just the 11th coach in CHL history to reach that milestone. In seven seasons, McClelland has amassed a record of 265-149-35 with the RiverKings, Colorado and Wichita. He ranks eighth on the league's all-time wins list.
McClelland won four Stanley Cups and played in 588 NHL games where he scored 68 goals, 112 assists and collected a staggering 1,672 penalty minutes. The Oshawa, ONT native was a fourth round draft pick of the Hartford Whalers in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft.
Wichita returns home for the final two home games of the season on Friday and Saturday as Allen and Evansville come to town. For tickets, call 755-SEAT, visit the INTRUST Bank Arena box office or online at www.selectaseat.com .
Wichita Thunder playoff packages and 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 playoff packages or season tickets, or visit the fan relations table behind section 120 at any Wichita Thunder home game.
Individual tickets are on sale now for Games 1 and 2 in the CHL Playoffs. Game 1 is set for Friday, March 30th at 7:05 p.m. and Game 2 is set for Sunday, April 1st at 5:05 p.m. Join the Blue Revolution!
Central Hockey League Stories from March 22, 2012
- Rupp: Gems need new investors to keep team operating next year - Dayton Gems
- Kevin McClelland Named CHL Coach of the Year - CHL
- Kevin McClelland Named 2011-12 CHL Coach of the Year - Wichita Thunder
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