Thunder, McClelland Part Ways
April 16, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS - The Wichita Thunder, proud member of the ECHL powered by Toyota, announced today that the team will not renew the contract of Head Coach Kevin McClelland.
"This has been such a tough decision," said Thunder Owner Rodney Steven II. "Kevin was the head coach when we purchased the team in 2011. Since that time, we have appreciated the relationship we have had with him and his family over these last five years and we are thankful for the contributions he has made to the Thunder. However, we felt it was best for the organization to move in a new direction for next season. We sincerely wish Kevin and his family all the best. We made a commitment early on to this organization to win - three years of not making it to the playoffs has been very hard for us to endure."
McClelland came to the Thunder in 2010 and guided the Thunder for six seasons. He is the longest tenured coach in Thunder history, having led the team for 408 games. During his time in Wichita, McClelland compiled a record of 194-166-48.
"We are very committed to this league but honestly and more importantly to the Wichita Thunder, we want our team to win and win! There are no sure answers when it comes to switching coaches but I promise you this, Coach McClelland will always be an important part of what got us into hockey and will remain close friends with him!"
A search for the next coach of the Thunder will commence immediately. 2016-17 will be the 25th season of Thunder hockey and season ticket packages are on sale now, starting as low as $110. Season tickets can be ordered by calling the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL. For more information visit us online at www.wichitathunder.com.
ECHL Stories from April 16, 2016
- Royals' Comeback Push Falls Short in Toledo, 4-3 - Reading Royals
- Mavericks Down Mallards 6-3 in Game 1 of Kelly Cup Playoffs - Kansas City Mavericks
- Americans Even It Up - Allen Americans
- Mavs Take Game One - Quad City Mallards
- Cincinnati takes 2-0 Series Lead After Tight Affair - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Toledo's strong first period leads to a game two win 4-3 - Toledo Walleye
- Second Period Surge Not Enough for Wings in Game Two - Kalamazoo Wings
- Everblades Tie Series with Game Two Win - Wheeling Nailers
- Thunder Silence Monarchs, 4-2 - Manchester Monarchs
- Stingrays Grab 2-0 Series Lead with 5-2 Victory in Game 2 - South Carolina Stingrays
- Thunder, McClelland Part Ways - Wichita Thunder
- Rapid City in Final Four - Rapid City Rush
- ECHL Transactions - April 16 - ECHL
- Nailers at Everblades Game Day Snap Shot - Wheeling Nailers
- ECHL Announces Fine, Suspension - ECHL
- Cyclones Game Notes: Kelly Cup Quarterfinals- Game 2 vs Ft. Wayne - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Americans Look to Even the Series with Idaho Tonight - Allen Americans
- Mallards Game Day - Quad City Mallards
- Playoff Game Preview: Game 2- South Carolina at Kalamazoo, 7 p.m. - South Carolina Stingrays
- Monarchs Game Day Capsule - Manchester Monarchs
- ECHL Today - April 16 - ECHL
- Gameday: Adirondack vs. Manchester - Adirondack Thunder
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.
