CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Invite Three to Main Camp

August 21, 2014 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


Wichita, KS (August 21st) - Last weekend, the Wichita Thunder and 37 Professional Hockey Services held a productive Free Agent Showcase at the Wichita Ice Center. The team announced today they have invited three players, Evan Mackintosh, Daniel Chang and Scott Morongell (MOREN-jell), to the Thunder's main camp where they will have a chance to make the Opening Day roster.

A total of 30 players attended the camp and were put through drills along with scrimmages each day. Head Coach Kevin McClelland and David Imonti of 37 Professional Hockey Services were able to evaluate the talent and thanked them for being able to make the trip to Wichita.

"I was pleased with the turnout of players and wanted to thank each of them for attending," said McClelland. "We were happy with this being our first time doing this and hope we can grow it in the coming years. I would like to thank David Imonti for his help to put this event together."

Mackintosh, 26, played last season in Spain for CH Vitoria-Gasteiz where he collected 27 points (17g, 10a) in just 20 games. His team ended up winning the Continental Cup, which is the championship for the league he played in. The San Jose, California native also added eight points (1g, 7a) during the team's run to the title. In 2012, he attended free agent camp for the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL and earned an invite to their training camp as well. After being released, he headed to New Zealand to play for the Botany Swarm of the NZIHL. The 5-foot-6, 165-pound forward racked up 41 points (17g, 24a) and 72 penalty minutes during his first professional season. A product of the University of St. Thomas (NCAA D3), Mackintosh is excited for the opportunity.

"This is a great chance for me to earn the invite to the team's main camp," said Mackintosh. " There was a lot of good talent last weekend and I am looking forward to the challenge of what is ahead at training camp. It will take a lot of hard work, but it should be fun."

Chang, 23, will enter his first year as a pro. The Woodland Hills, California native played two seasons at Johnson and Wales University (NCAA D3) where he finished fifth on the team in scoring during his rookie campaign. He tallied 21 points (9g, 12a) in 22 games for the Wildcats in 2012-13. Prior to heading to college, Chang played for the Billings Bulls of the AWHL, where he recorded 81 points (37g, 44a) in 41 games to go along with 122 penalty minutes. The 5-foot-11, 181-pound forward is also excited for this chance.

"Heading to main camp is a great opportunity," stated Chang. "I have been working hard to get to this point in my career. I'm looking forward to competing for a spot on the Wichita Thunder and being part of an organization that has a reputation of being professional."

Morongell, 23, played last year for the Danbury Whalers of the FHL. A native of Sussex, New Jersey, Morongell was selected to the All-FHL Team as a defenseman. He collected 38 points (6g, 32a) in 56 games last year and helped anchor a defense that held their opponents to fewer than three goals per game and a regular season title. After completing a four-year career for Liberty University (ACHA D1), Morongell attended a pro placement camp for the Elmira Jackals. He was one of three players invited to their main camp before ending up with Danbury a season ago. The 6-foot, 175-pound defenseman finished his collegiate career with 72 points (21g, 51a).

"This past weekend was a great experience," said Morongell. "We were able to display our skills through practice and scrimmages. I am thankful for the invitation to main camp and the opportunity to become part of the Wichita Thunder."

2014-15 season tickets are on sale now! All it takes to get started is $50 deposit per seat. Don't delay! Contact the Wichita Thunder Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (316) 264-4625. Stay up-to-date on all the news this off-season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com .

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