Thunder claims three more awards
June 29, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder, coming off their most successful season since 1995, claimed three more awards yesterday at a pair of area events.
The Thunder was awarded the Sedgwick County Community Enrichment Award by the Board of the Sedgwick County Commissioners at the regular County Commission meeting, Wednesday morning at the Sedgwick County Courthouse. Following a video recap of the season, produced by KAKE TV-10, Sedgwick County Commission Chairman Ben Sciortino made the presentation to Thunder general manager Chris Presson on behalf of the Board.
On Wednesday night, the Thunder staff was presented a Special Achievement Award at the ninth Annual Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission Banquet. The award was presented by Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission President and CEO Bob Hanson.
Both awards honored the Thunder for their success and contributions to the Wichita area this past season, as Thunder attendance increased by over 43% from 3,995 per game in 2004-05 to 5,719 in 2005-06. The Thunder finished the season ranked second in the CHL and seventh overall among the 54 "AA" hockey teams in North America for average attendance. On Saturday, March 18th, the Thunder drew a franchise-record crowd of 9,728 fans, the 12th sellout in franchise history.
Thunder right wing and CHL All-Star Joe Blaznek was also honored at the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission Banquet last night, receiving the Professional Athlete of the Year Award. Blaznek, who led the Thunder with a career-high 100 points last season, beat out Wichita Wranglers first baseman Justin Huber and Wichita Aviators Quarterback John Wise for the Award. Blaznek is signed to return to the Thunder for a fourth straight season.
Earlier this month the Thunder claimed four awards at the CHL Awards Banquet in Phoenix, Arizona, including the 2006 CHL Most Improved Franchise of the Year Award. Joel T. Lomurno was named CHL Public Relations Executive of the Year, Joe Greene was named CHL Ticket Sales Executive of the Year and Chris Presson was honored as CHL Executive of the Year.
The Thunder was also runner-up for the CHL Group Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year, as well as the CHL Marketing Franchise of the Year. Only the Laredo Bucks were nominated for more awards (7) than the Thunder, who came away with more awards than any other CHL team.
The Thunder will begin their 15th season with a pair of home games on Friday and Saturday, October 20th and 21st. Thunder season tickets, still the least expensive in the CHL, are on sale now, ranging from $256 to $408. For more information, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from June 29, 2006
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- Gorillas captain returns - Amarillo Gorillas
- Gorillas re-sign two - Amarillo Gorillas
- Bucks Ink Melnyk - Laredo Bucks
- Thunder claims three more awards - Wichita Thunder
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