Sean O'Reilly Retires
August 22, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder today announced the retirement of veteran defenseman Sean O'Reilly.
A native of Stratford, Ontario, O'Reilly came to Wichita in 1997 and spent his entire five-year pro career with the Thunder. He retires as Wichita's all-time leading scorer among defensemen in both assists (142) and points (169). No stranger to the rough stuff, O'Reilly, known as the "Junkyard Dawg" is also Wichita's all-time leader in penalty minutes, with 926.
"Sean is one of the finest people ever to wear the Thunder uniform. Besides his solid, hard-working play on the ice, Sean's work in the community has been phenomenal", said Thunder general manager Bill Shuck. "We are currently exploring some avenues that would keep Sean involved, in some capacity, with the Thunder organization".
O'Reilly, 31, played a total of 311 games for the Thunder, third most in franchise history. He served as assistant captain for the last four seasons and has picked up a number of team awards during his Thunder career, including the 1999 Glass Rattler of the Year and the 2001 Thunder Defenseman of the Year. He has also won the Thunder Community Service Award in each of the past two seasons.
Prior to joining the Thunder, O'Reilly attended Acadia University, where he graduated with a degree in Recreation Management. During his playing days, O'Reilly has served as a substitute teacher in Wichita and will continue to do so again this school year. His wife, Kim, is a teacher at Wilbur Middle School and together they are expecting their first child this coming January.
"I will never forget my five years with the Thunder and both Kim and I are very grateful for all that the people of Wichita have done for us", said OâReilly. "I have met many great friends here, both players and fans, who will always be a part of the O'Reilly family".
In other news, the Thunder signed right wing Tom Gomes and rookie goaltender Patrik Lovisek. Gomes, 30, has played in the CHL since 1994, racking up 476 career points and 831 penalty minutes, while Lovisek is a highly-touted goaltender from Slovakia. The 25-year-old Lovisek went 10-4 last season for HC Martin on the Slovakian Extra-League and was a member of the Slovakian National Team back in 1992 and 1993.
The Thunder, who will open their 11th CHL season with a pair of home games on Friday and Saturday, October 18th and 19th, have now signed 12 players. Season ticket packages for 2002-03 are still on sale, starting at just $120. For more information, contact the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from August 22, 2002
- Buzzards Sign Former CHL Rookie of the Year - El Paso Buzzards
- Sean O'Reilly Retires - Wichita Thunder
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.
