Thunder add rookie scorer
November 4, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder today added rookie forward John Kozoriz (KOZ-uh-ritz) and placed fellow rookie Tyler Liebel on 45-day Injured Reserve.
Kozoriz joins the Thunder from the ECHL's Johnstown Chiefs, where he notched a goal in two games. He spent the last two seasons at the University of Prince Edward island, where he was a teammate of Thunder goaltender Jason Flick.
Kozoriz is coming off a tremendous season in which he led UPEI with 19 goals, a 25.3 shooting percentage, six power play goals and four game-winners. He also finished second on the team with 28 points and 52 penalty minutes in just 27 games and his 19 goals were fifth best among all Canadian College Hockey players.
Prior to attending UPEI, Kozoriz spent the majority of his four-year junior career with the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) Oshawa Generals, where he notched at least 15 goals each season. He finished his junior career with 80 goals and 177 points in 244 games. Liebel is expected to be out of the lineup until December 16th with an undisclosed injury.
Kozoriz will make his Thunder debut tonight at 7:05 p.m. when the Thunder take on the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in Louisiana. The game can be heard on AM 1070 "The Ranch" and online at www.wichitathunder.com. The only undefeated team in the CHL, the Thunder are trying to extend their record to a franchise-best 5-0-0.
The Thunder return home tomorrow to host Dallas Stars' forward Brenden Morrow and the Oklahoma City Blazers at the Kansas Coliseum. Morrow is playing for Oklahoma City during the NHL lockout. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
Corporate packages and season tickets for the 2004-05 campaign are also still on sale. To order your tickets or for more information, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL.
• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...
Central Hockey League Stories from November 4, 2004
- RiverKings score four in third to defeat Austin - Mississippi RiverKings
- Brenden Morrow coming to town - Topeka Tarantulas
- Thunder add rookie scorer - Wichita Thunder
- Memphis picks up former Oiler off waivers - Mississippi RiverKings
- Thunder look to extend perfect streak tonight - 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.
