Thunder Announce 2014-15 Regular Season Roster
October 16, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS (Oct. 16th) - The Wichita Thunder, powered by Toyota, took a step closer to beginning their inaugural season in the ECHL this afternoon by announcing their 2014-15 Regular Season roster. The roster includes 19 players divided by 11 forwards, five defensemen and two goaltenders. One player will start the season on the 21-Day IR, leaving the team one more active roster spot and two reserve spots available.
Highlighting this year's roster are five former NHL Draft picks including the return of fan favorite Alex Bourret. The former first round pick of the Atlanta Thrashers (#16 overall, 2005 Entry Draft) helped the Thunder reach the CHL Finals in 2011-12, racking up 57 points (20g, 37a) along with 168 penalty minutes in 43 games. Other players on the roster that have been drafted in the NHL are Theo Peckham (2006, 3rd round, #75 overall, Edmonton Oilers), Tyler Bunz (2010, 5th round, #121 overall, Edmonton Oilers), Jared Walker (2004, 7th round, #223 overall, Chicago Blackhawks), and Andy Bathgate (2009, 5th round, #151 overall, Pittsburgh Penguins).
Five players return from a year ago, including four that were on the Opening Night Roster for the 2013-14 season. RG Flath, Ian Lowe, Jared Walker and Erick Lizon are the returning forwards while Mike Wilson is back for another year on the blue line. The Thunder will have two new netminders this season as Tim Boron returns to the Air Capital for his third go-around. Last season, Boron was a Most Outstanding Goalie Finalist for the Rapid City Rush, winning a career-high 30 games. His partner between the pipes will be Tyler Bunz, who was assigned by the Edmonton Oilers (NHL) from the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League (AHL).
2014-15 Regular Season Roster
Active Forwards (11)
Nikita Kashirsky (KAH-sheer-skee)
Ian Lowe
Kenton Miller
Jared Walker
Michael Budd
Joe Caveney
Andy Bathgate
Kurtis Bartliff
Alex Bourret (BUHR-ay)
Erick Lizon (LYE-zahn)
Todd Hosmer
Active Defensemen (5)
Zack Josepher
Theo Peckham
Michael Trebish
Jim Jorgensen
Mike Wilson
Active Goaltenders (2)
Tim Boron
Tyler Bunz
21-Day IR
RG Flath
Season tickets will be available to pick up on Wednesday, October 22nd starting at 6 p.m. at Pucks Sports Bar at the Wichita Ice Center. Players will be on hand to meet and greet season ticket holders. Small appetizers and a cash bar will be available during the event.
Individual tickets are on sale for the home opener against the Allen Americans on Saturday, October 25th. Tickets for the rest of the regular season go on sale this coming Saturday. Don't delay! Tickets can be purchased at the INTRUST Arena Box office, by calling 755-SEAT or go online at www.selectaseat.com. Stay up-to-date on all the news during the season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com.
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