Thunder re-sign top defenseman
Published on September 8, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder today added a key piece to their blueline, re-signing defenseman Les Hrapchak.
A second-year pro out of Wakaw, Saskatchewan, Hrapchak (pronounced ha-RAP-check) joined the Thunder two weeks into last season and went on to become Wichita's most reliable defenseman, earning the nickname "Steady Les". In 53 games, Hrapchak picked up 29 points and led all Thunder defensemen with 24 assists.
Hrapchak also led the entire team with a plus/minus rating of +14, the highest rating for a Thunder blueliner since the 2000-01 season. Along the way, he put together an amazing streak of 20 straight games with a positive plus/minus rating, going +20 over that time and earning the 2004 Thunder Defenseman of the Year Award.
Hrapchak continued his steady play in the postseason, leading all Thunder defensemen with five points in nine games and again leading the team in plus/minus, at +4. He scored perhaps the biggest goal of the playoffs, a breakaway game-winner in the third period of game two of the Northern Conference Semifinals at Colorado, capping an amazing four-goal Thunder comeback. The Thunder won the series in four games, before falling to Bossier-Shreveport in the Northern Conference Finals.
"Re-signing Les was one of our biggest priorities this offseason", said Thunder head coach Derek Laxdal. "He is the quarterback of our power play and brings a lot of skill and character to the team not just offensively and defensively, but in the locker room as well."
Prior to turning pro, Hrapchak spent four seasons at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Over his college career he compiled 74 points in 132 games.
Hrapchak is the 15th player signed for the upcoming season, Wichita's 13th in the CHL. The Thunder will open training camp on October 11th, then start the regular season on Friday, October 22nd at the Topeka Tarantulas. Wichita's home opener is set for Saturday, October 23rd versus the New Mexico Scorpions. The Thunder will also host Topeka in an exhibition game at Ice Sports Wichita on Sunday Night, October 17th.
Corporate packages and season tickets for the 2004-05 campaign 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.
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- Thunder re-sign top defenseman - Wichita Thunder
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