Thunder Add Managing Partner
November 4, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- Express Sports, the parent company of the CHL's Oklahoma City Blazers, has been named managing partner of the Wichita Thunder, team owner Horn Chen announced today.
Effective immediately, Express Sports will oversee all front office duties of the Thunder, ranging from sales and marketing to public relations and game operations.
"We certainly welcome the challenge and firmly believe that the Wichita Thunder can regain their status as one of the premier hockey franchises in North America", said Express Sports CEO Brad Lund. "Miracles cannot be performed overnight, but with a team effort - from the front office, to the players, to the fans - we can develop the atmosphere which is expected at Thunder home games."
Express Sports is the multi-faceted sports management and marketing company that oversees the operation of the Blazers, Express Tennis, Express Golf, Express Rodeo and Express Entertainment. Express Sports purchased the Blazers from Chen Sports in 1999.
Lund will be in Wichita through Tuesday and can be reached at the Thunder office for comment.
General Manager Bill Shuck's future with the franchise has yet to be determined. Shuck had been with the Thunder since their inaugural season in 1992.
"Express Sports is an organization with a proven record of success and their fresh ideas and commitment are most welcome", said Shuck. "I fully support the role of Express Sports in taking on the challenge of returning the franchise to elite status."
The Thunder return to action this weekend for a pair of home games on Friday versus the Tulsa Oilers and Saturday versus the Indianapolis Ice. The famous mascot "Jumping Jack" will perform at both games, courtesy of Credit Union of America. Face-off this weekend is set for 7:30 p.m.
The Thunder recorded their first win of the season last night, 4-2, over the Fort Worth Brahmas. Despite a record of 1-6-2, the Thunder offense has been dominant, ranking second in the CHL with 31 goals scored. Veterans Travis Clayton and Jason Duda lead the way, ranking second and fourth respectively in the CHL in scoring.
For more information or to order tickets, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from November 4, 2002
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- Barnes, Gove Honored by CHL - CHL
- Saints Switch Defensemen - San Angelo Saints
- Scorpions Happy to be Back Home - New Mexico Scorpions
- Thunder Pick Up First Win - Wichita Thunder
- Thunder Add Managing Partner - Wichita Thunder
- Around the Ice - Indianapolis Ice
- IceRays Week in Review - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Saints Week in Review - San Angelo Saints
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