Thunder adds offensive firepower
Published on October 16, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Thunder added more speed and scoring up front today signing fourth-year pro Ryan Lauzon.
A fourth-round draft pick of the Phoenix Coyotes (116 overall) in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Lauzon enjoyed a stellar junior career, playing four seasons for the Hull Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he piled up 86 goals and 234 points in 235 games and was a member of the 1997 Memorial Cup Champion Team. His best season came in 1997-98 when he finished second on the Olympiques with 89 points, then piled on another 21 points in just 11 playoff games.
Lauzon (pronounced luh-ZAHN) turned pro in 2000 and played a full season with the AHL's Springfield Falcons, notching 15 points in 37 games, and then split the next two seasons between Springfield and the ECHL. In 2002-03, he picked up 20 goals and 20 assists for the ECHL's Augusta Lynx.
"Ryan is a very pleasant late addition to our roster", said Thunder head coach Mark French. "He as plenty of experience, has played at both the AHL and ECHL levels and is not only a proven scorer, but can move the puck as well."
A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Lauzon returned to college in 2004, attending St. Mary's University, where he led the team with 15 goals and 30 points in 28 games and was a teammate of Thunder defenseman Matt Coughlin. Lauzon poured it on again last season, finishing sixth among all Canadian College hockey players with 39 points in 28 games, en route to being named a CIS First-Team All-Star and one of three CIS Second-Team All-Canadians.
The Thunder also trimmed their roster to 20 today, releasing forwards Darryl Moscaluk and Derek Allan, as well as defensemen Preston Cicchine and Andrew Morris.
The Thunder will hold their first ever preseason banquet this Wednesday evening, October 18, sponsored by AT&T and the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission. The banquet will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception, featuring complimentary beer, soft drinks and a cash bar, with dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Fans can still purchase banquet tickets for just $40 each or a corporate table for $300. Each table will feature a different Thunder player. For reservations please fill out an order form and mail it to the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission, 100 S. Main, Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67202 or call the GWASC at 265-6236. Order forms can be printed off the Thunder website at www.wichitathunder.com.
The 2006 CHL Most Improved Franchise, the Thunder will begin the regular season with a pair of home games on Friday, October 20th versus the Tulsa Oilers and Saturday, October 21st versus the Oklahoma City Blazers. For tickets or more information, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from October 16, 2006
- Ice Bats Individual Tickets on Sale; "Meet the Team Party" Planned - Austin Ice Bats
- Rayz announce team captain, new Fan-zone - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Amarillo releases three, NHL talent joins tomorrow - Amarillo Gorillas
- Mudbugs top Rayz 4-3 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Gorillas finish preseason 2-1 - Amarillo Gorillas
- Oilers Trim Training Camp Roster - Tulsa Oilers
- SteelHounds Weekly Radio Show Hits Airwaves Tonight - Youngstown SteelHounds
- Thunder adds offensive firepower - Wichita Thunder
- Bucks Season Ticket Holder Party Wednesday 7-9 P.M. - Laredo Bucks
- Cleared! - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- RiverKings make first cut - Mississippi RiverKings
- Oilers Start 15th Season Friday - Tulsa Oilers
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