Thunder Re-Sign Cunningham
Published on August 20, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder today re-signed speedy forward Jerry Cunningham and added goaltender Matt Carney.
A second-year forward, Cunningham came to Wichita in January from the Odessa Jackalopes. In 24 games with the Thunder, he picked up nine goals and 15 points, including four multiple-point games. Cunningham finished his rookie season with a total of 24 points in 50 games.
"Jerry's transition from Odessa to Wichita last season was night and day", said Thunder head coach Derek Laxdal. "I expect him to be able to put up 40-60 points this season."
Prior to turning pro, Cunningham played college hockey at Mankato State University in Minnesota. During his three seasons there, he compiled 72 points in 89 games.
The Thunder also inked goaltender Matt Carney to a contract today. Carney was acquired from Odessa on August 6th, where he went 6-2-0 during his rookie season with a 2.35 goals against average.
The 25-year-old Carney spent four seasons at the University of New Hampshire, where he compiled an impressive career record of 21-4-3. He also played one season of junior hockey with the United States Hockey League's (USHL) Des Moines Buccaneers, going 31-5-1, and leading the Buccaneers to the 1999 USHL Title. Over his six-year college, junior and pro career, Carney has compiled an amazing record of 58-11-4.
The Thunder also announced today that Athletic Trainer Chris Palmer has accepted a similar position with the USHL's Sioux Falls (SD) Stampede. Palmer spent two seasons with Wichita.
"I am definitely going to miss Wichita. With all the changes in the organization I think it is going to be a fun ride this season", said Palmer. "For me though, this new opportunity is one that I could not pass on".
The Thunder drop the puck on their 12th CHL season when training camp opens on Monday, October 6th. Wichita will begin the regular season with a pair of home games on Friday, October 17th versus the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs and Saturday, October 18th versus the Tulsa Oilers. Both games will face-off at 7:30 p.m.
Season tickets for the 2003-04 season are still on sale, starting at just $198. For more information or to order tickets, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from August 20, 2003
- Van Parys Returns to the CHL - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Mudbugs Re-Sign Campbell, Add Bell - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Jeff Blair Is New Jackalopes Goaltender - Odessa Jackalopes
- Gorillas Re-Sign Standout Goaltender Shawn Degagne - Amarillo Gorillas
- Thunder Re-Sign Cunningham - Wichita Thunder
- Bats' "Blood Brothers" to be Unleashed - Austin Ice Bats
- Blazers Ink Forslund - Oklahoma City Blazers
- Kings Sign Dave MacIntyre - Lubbock Cotton Kings
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