Thunder add more size
September 15, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder today added more size to the blueline, signing defenseman Kelly Sickavish.
A 6-3, 215-pound native of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Sickavish (pronounced suh-KAV-itch) played his college hockey at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where he served as team captain during his senior season. Over his four-year career, he compiled eight points and 92 penalty minutes in 107 games, while graduating with a degree in Sports Management.
"Kelly is a solid, stay-at-home defenseman with a tremendous upside", said Thunder head coach Derek Laxdal. "He was team captain for a Division I school, has been a part of championship teams and fits the mold of the type of player we are looking for this season."
Prior to attending college, Sickavish spent his junior career with the BCJHL's Vernon Vipers, where he served as assistant captain for two years. His best season came in 1998-99, when he notched 20 points and received the Vipers' Unsung Hero Award. Vernon won the 1999 Canadian Junior "A" Championship.
The Thunder also announced today that they will return to AM 1070 "The Ranch" for a second straight season. "The Ranch" will broadcast all 60 regular season Thunder games plus playoffs. The Thunder will also offer full webcasts of all 60 games, courtesy of Hubris Communications.
"We are very happy to be able to bring every game to the fans again this season", said Thunder general manager David Holt. "Thanks to both AM 1070 and Hubris Communications it is possible for Thunder fans all over Wichita, the state of Kansas, even all the way up in Canada, to tune in and hear the Thunder play."
Newcomer Jason Mals will handle the play-by-play this season, while assistant general manager Joel T. Lomurno will move to color commentator. Mals joined the Thunder this summer, after spending last season with the Billings Bulls of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
The Thunder will open training camp in just 26 days, on October 11th, then start the regular season on Friday, October 22nd at the Topeka Tarantulas. Wichita's home opener is set for Saturday, October 23rd versus the New Mexico Scorpions. The Thunder will also host Topeka in an exhibition game at Ice Sports Wichita on Sunday Night, October 17th.
Corporate packages and season tickets for the 2004-05 campaign are still on sale. To order your tickets or for more information, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 15, 2004
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- Ice Bats Keep Fans Updated With New Speaker Series - Austin Ice Bats
- Saints and Encore Broadcasting Reach Agreement - San Angelo Saints
- Eagles Individual Tickets on Sale September 13 - Colorado Eagles
- Blazers Add Three Defensemen - Oklahoma City Blazers
- Bucks Complete Goalie Duo - Laredo Bucks
- 'Scorps Rewards' for Season Ticket Holders - New Mexico Scorpions
- Thunder add more size - Wichita Thunder
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