Thunder re-signs all-time leading scorer
June 16, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder today announced the signing of their all-time leading scorer, eighth-year veteran forward Travis Clayton.
A 28-year-old native of Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan, Clayton led the Thunder in scoring last season with 52 assists and 79 points, including seven game-winning goals. It was the second straight season and fourth time in his career that he led the Thunder in scoring.
A four-time Central Hockey League (CHL) all-star, Clayton was instrumental in Wichita's late season playoff run, scoring a point in 17 straight games, the second longest streak in the CHL all season. He picked up five goals and 13 points over the final eight regular season games and was named the Sherwood CHL Player of the Month for March.
Clayton continued his stellar play in the postseason, leading the Thunder with a team-high six goals and 10 points, including the game-winning goal in the series-clinching victory over the Colorado Eagles that put the Thunder in the Northern Conference Finals. The all-time Thunder leader with 452 games played, Clayton was the only Thunder player to appear in all 73 games last season.
"Every organization needs a few players that are true professionals", said Thunder head coach Derek Laxdal. "Travis Clayton is one of those special people."
Over his seven-year career, Clayton has amassed a franchise-record 325 assists and 539 points. He is also the all-time Thunder leader with 65 power play goals, 19 shorthanded goals and 28 game-winners. With 214, he trails Jason Duda by one, for the most goals in Thunder history.
Sixth in the CHL in scoring last season, Clayton also continues to climb the CHL's all-time scoring charts, moving into the top 10 in both goals and points. He also ranks 13th in CHL history in assists.
Prior to joining the Thunder in 1997, Clayton was a standout in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey league (SJHL), piling up a franchise-record 122 points in his final season with the North Battleford North Stars. Clayton still ranks fifth in SJHL history, with 235 career assists. He joins goaltender Jamie Vandespyker as the first two players under contract for 2004-05.
Corporate packages and season tickets for the 2004-05 campaign are on sale now. A deposit of $50 per seat is required. To order your tickets, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
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