McLean returns for fifth season
July 12, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder announced today that right wing Ryan McLean has re-signed with the team for a fifth season.
A 25-year-old native of Brandon, Manitoba, McLean is coming off the best season of his pro career, all of which has been played in a Thunder uniform. The 2006 Most Improved Thunder Player of the Year, McLean recorded career-highs for goals (15), assists (16), points (31), power play goals (8) and penalty minutes (236). He also put together a career-best nine-game scoring streak in November, which included a four-game goal scoring streak.
McLean, who went 2-4 in shootouts last season, finished the season strong, tying a career-high with three assists on the second to last day of the season at Colorado, then notched an assist the following night in Wichita's amazing season finale, 5-4, overtime comeback win over the Oklahoma City Blazers.
Perhaps the best moment of his career came in game two of the CHL Northern Conference Semifinals versus Bossier-Shreveport, when he notched the game-winner 55 seconds into double-overtime. The goal tied the series at 1-1; although the Mudbugs eventually went on to win the series.
Prior to turning pro, McLean played junior hockey with Estevan and Weyburn in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), followed by one season at the University of Regina. He joined the Thunder in 2002, notching 22 points and 212 penalty minutes in 63 games.
Over his Thunder career Mclean has notched 40 goals, 89 points and ranks fourth in franchise history with 241 games played. He also ranks fifth in Thunder history with 839 penalty minutes and second all-time with 47 major penalties.
The Thunder will begin their 15th CHL season with a pair of home games on Friday and Saturday, October 20th and 21st. Thunder season tickets, still the least expensive in the CHL, are on sale now, ranging from $256 to $408. For more information, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from July 12, 2006
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- Most Outstanding Goaltender Returns to Mudbugs - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
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- David Beauregard signs with Oilers - Tulsa Oilers
- Eagles Sign First Defenseman - Colorado Eagles
- Ice Bats Ink Second-Year Forwards - Austin Ice Bats
- McLean returns for fifth season - Wichita Thunder
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