Thunder Continue to Rebuild Blue Line
August 26, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS (August 26th) - The Wichita Thunder, proud member of the ECHL and powered by Toyota, announced this afternoon that they have agreed to terms with defensemen Dan Milan and Brandon Martell for the 2015-16 season.
"Dan Milan emerged as a leader for us last year," said Head Coach Kevin McClelland. "His never back down attitude is something that other players feed off of. He is a welcomed addition back for another season. Brandon is a big body who skates well and can move the puck. He was solid in his time against us in Rapid City."
Milan, 23, will enter his second year in Wichita and fourth as a pro. A native of Detroit, Michigan, the 6-foot-3, 206-pound blueliner set new career highs last season in assists (16), points (17) and penalty minutes (178). Milan signed an entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning out of Juniors in 2011. Last season, he was called-up twice to
the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL). Prior to turning pro, Milan played 130 games in the QMJHL with the Moncton Wildcats and Victoriaville Tigres. He earned All-Rookie Team honors in 2010-11 when he tallied 38 points (14g, 24a) in Moncton.
"I couldn't be more excited to begin another season with what has grown to be one of my favorite cities," commented Milan. "I've played in every city in the league and when I say Wichita has the best fans in the league I mean it. The fans are a big reason why I decided to come back. It wasn't just the fans that helped make my decision, but everyone that lives in and around the city. I can't wait to get back and get going."
Martell, 26, enters his third full season as a pro and first in Wichita. A native of Andover, Minnesota, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman played in 17 games last season for the Rapid City Rush before being traded to the Evansville IceMen in December. After playing a four-year career at the Ohio State University (NCAA DI), Martell played three games in 2012-13 with the Kalamazoo Wings. Overall, he's appeared in 125 games in the ECHL collecting 28 points (12g, 16a) and 75 penalty minutes. The former Buckeye received Academic All-Big Ten honors twice during his time at Ohio State.
"I'm excited to be a part of the Wichita Thunder this year," stated Martell. "I've heard nothing but great things about the organization and coaching staff. It will be a privilege to play for Coach McClelland this season. He has a phenomenal reputation and he knows how to put a winning team together. The Thunder were a skilled and tough team to play against last season and I am looking forward to playing on the same side of the puck this year. I can't wait to get the season rolling."
Wichita will host the Tulsa Oilers for an exhibition game on Saturday, October 10th at 4 p.m. at the Wichita Ice Center. Tickets are on sale now for just $12 and can be purchased at the Thunder office only.
Season tickets are on sale now. Don't delay! Call the Wichita Thunder office and visit with a season ticket rep today to learn more. Stay up-to-date on all the news during the off-season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com.
ECHL Stories from August 26, 2015
- Night Dawns Again in Toledo - Toledo Walleye
- Mallards Sign Netminder Morrison; Taft Arrives from Colorado College - Quad City Mallards
- Komets Acquire Rights to Defenseman Justin Hamonic - Fort Wayne Komets
- Chris Treft Named New Gladiators Broadcaster - Atlanta Gladiators
- Solar Bears Bring in Matt Hatch - Orlando Solar Bears
- Evansville IceMen Open House this Saturday from 12 Noon to 2pm - Evansville IceMen
- Thunder Continue to Rebuild Blue Line - Wichita Thunder
- Rush Add Two More - Rapid City Rush
- Greenville Road Warriors Rebrand to Swamp Rabbits - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Cyclones Welcome Back Experienced Veteran - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Admirals Reinforce Blue Line with Addition of Roussel - Norfolk Admirals
- Beast Agree to Terms with Former CIS Rookie of the Year - Brampton Beast
- Solar Bears to Face Everblades in Pair of Preseason Games - Orlando Solar Bears
- Everblades Announce 2015 Preseason Schedule - Florida Everblades
- Everblades Announce Several Changes to 2015-16 Schedule - Florida Everblades
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.
