Nelson to add toughness, scoring to blueline
September 24, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder announced today that they have signed defenseman Chad Nelson.
A 28-year-old native of Cranbrook, British Columbia, Nelson brings eight years of pro experience to the Thunder, but with 250 games played, is not considered a veteran under CHL rules. He began his pro career in 1995 with the East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) Charlotte Checkers, and has spent most of his playing career in the ECHL, including two seasons with the Louisiana Ice Gators, where he was a teammate of Thunder head coach Jim Latos.
Nelson did play briefly in the CHL, picking up nine points in 17 games for the Huntsville Tornado in 2000-01, before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. He returned to action last winter, playing in 27 games for the ECHL's Greenville Grrrowl.
His best season came in 1999-00, when he picked up 21 points and 92 penalty minutes in just 38 games. Over his pro career he has picked up 74 points and a whopping 971 penalty minutes.
"Chad is a huge addition to our defense", said Latos. "He is very solid defensively, moves the puck well, and certainly is not afraid to drop the gloves".
With Nelson, Pat Stachniak, Bob Rapoza, Vladimir Hartinger, Paul Johnson and Tim Kolasa, the Thunder defense will be one of the most experienced in the CHL, with an average age of 25.5.
The Thunder, who now have 16 players signed for the upcoming season, will open training camp on Monday, October 7th. They will host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in an exhibition game at the Kansas Coliseum on Saturday, October 12th at 7:30 p.m. All tickets for the game are $10 for general admission and are on sale now.
The Thunder will drop the puck on their 11th CHL season with a pair of home games on Friday October 18th versus the Fort Worth Brahmas and Saturday October 19th versus the Amarillo Gorillas. For more information, contact the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
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