Thunder names Presson new general manager
Published on April 25, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder, at a press conference today, introduced Chris Presson as the team's new general manager.
A 39-year-old native of Catoosa, Oklahoma, Presson has spent the last 13 seasons in pro hockey. He comes to the Thunder from the CHL's Topeka Tarantulas, where he served as the team's general manager this past season.
Presson began his hockey career in 1992 as an intern with the Oklahoma Blazers, the CHL's most successful franchise. After six years with the Blazers, Presson was named the general manager of Topeka's original team in 1998, the Scarecrows, where he spent two seasons and was named the 1999 CHL Executive of the Year.
Presson spent one season as GM of the United Hockey League's New Haven Knights, then returned to the Blazers, where he served as general manager from 2001 thru 2004. While with the Blazers, Presson also helped run several other sporting events under the Blazers parent company, Express Sports. He served as general manager for the Oklahoma Storm of the United States Basketball League (USBL), helped organize the highest attended Davis Cup Tennis event ever, played host to four NHL exhibition games, as well as two Major League Soccer (MLS) games.
Presson and his wife Tracy, who now reside in Wichita, have two daughters, Lily and Ryanne, and are expecting their third child later this summer.
The Thunder also announced today that they have agreed to continue playing at the Kansas Coliseum. The Thunder enjoyed another successful season, entertaining the two biggest playoff crowds in the last eight seasons, while averaging 4300 fans over the final 12 home games. The team expects to move into the new downtown arena upon its completion in 2008 or 2009.
The annual Thunder end of year party will take place tomorrow night, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Ice Sports Wichita. The party will shift to America's Pub in Old Town at 6:30 p.m. for the live helmet and jersey auction.
Season tickets and corporate packages for the 2005-06 season are on sale now. To order your tickets or for more information, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from April 25, 2005
- CHL Leads "AA" Leagues in Average Attendance, Again - CHL
- Bucks and Eagles Begin President's Cup Finals Tuesday - Laredo Bucks
- Special Olympics golf tournament opens Friday - Mississippi RiverKings
- Thunder names Presson new general manager - Wichita Thunder
- Thunder extend Laxdal's contract - Wichita Thunder
- CHL Ray Miron President's Cup Finals Begin Tuesday - CHL
- Oilers Lock-Up Kaebel - Tulsa Oilers
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