Thunder Adds Three, Loses One
Published on September 25, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder today announced the signing of goaltender Krister Toews as well as forwards Troy Ofukany and Steve Covington.
Toews (pronounced TAVES) joins the Thunder from the University of Manitoba where he spent four seasons, notching 46 wins, nine shutouts and a 3.03 goals against average. Prior to attending college, Toews played three seasons with the WHL's Portland Winter Hawks, where he also notched 46 wins.
Toews will be attending training camp with the AHL's Manitoba Moose, the affiliate of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks. Toews replaces goaltender Ervins Mustukovs, who will instead be playing in the new rival NHL league, the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Ofukany (pronounced oh-foo-KAH-nee) joins the Thunder after spending the last four seasons in the WHL, splitting time between the Kelowna Rockets, Regina Pats and Red Deer Rebels. In 265 games, Ofukany picked up 66 goals and 149 points. Ofukany will be attending training camp with the Quad City Flames, the AHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames. The Thunder are also pleased to announced that new goaltender Ryan Dutton is currently attending training camp with the Calgary Flames.
Covington, a seventh round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft (226th overall) also joins the Thunder from the WHL, where he played six seasons with the Calgary Hitmen. In 257 games, he compiled 100 points.
"I am very excited about the signing of these three players", said head coach Brent Bilodeau. "We are committed to putting a hard-working young team of guys on the ice this season, made up of players who want to compete every night and advance to the next level. These three players should all excel in the CHL."
CHL training camp will open on Monday, October 6th and the Thunder will host the Tulsa Oilers on Wednesday, October 8th at 7:05 p.m. at the Wichita Ice Center. All seats for the game are general admission and will cost $10 each. Tickets for the game are on sale now. The Thunder will also play a pair of exhibition games at the defending CHL Champion Arizona Sundogs on Friday and Saturday, October 10th and 11th.
The Thunder will open their 17th CHL season on Friday, October 17th at the Mississippi RiverKings and then host the Oklahoma City Blazers on Saturday, October 18th at the Kansas Coliseum. For more information or to order season tickets, please call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
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