Thunder reaps benefits of successful season
June 5, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder, coming off their most successful season since 1995, received four awards at the CHL Banquet on Saturday Night in Phoenix, Arizona.
Assistant General Manager Joel T. Lomurno took home the first honor of the evening as the CHL's 2005-06 Public Relations Executive of the Year. Lomurno is entering his 14th season with the Thunder.
Joe Greene, who was unable to attend the banquet to the birth of his first child over the weekend, took home the second award as CHL Ticketing Executive of the Year. Greene, in his first season with the Thunder, was instrumental in increasing Thunder ticket sales by 43%.
Wichita's attendance increase from 3,995 per game in 2004-05 to 5,719 in 2005-06 also earned the Thunder the CHL's Most Improved Franchise of the Year Award. The Thunder finished the season ranked second in the CHL and seventh overall among the 54 "AA" hockey teams in North America for average attendance. On Saturday, March 18th, the Thunder drew a franchise-record crowd of 9,728 fans, the 12th sellout in franchise history.
First-year General Manager Chris Presson capped off a phenomenal evening, taking home the CHL Executive of the Year Award. Presson, who started his career in the CHL's inaugural season (1992), recognized the Thunder staff, owner Horn Chen and the tremendous fans in Wichita for helping him obtain this prestigious honor.
The Thunder were also runner-up for the CHL Group Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year, as well as the CHL Marketing Franchise of the Year.
The front office staff of all CHL teams were in Phoenix for the annual CHL Spring Conference. Among the numerous activities, the CHL held its expansion draft, with Thunder forward Ben Murphy and defenseman David Lizotte being selected by the Arizona Sun Dogs. Arizona, along with the Rocky Mountain Rage and the New Mexico Scorpions will compete in the CHL this upcoming season. The new CHL Divisonal alignments and other rule changes, including playoff format and salary cap, will be announced tomorrow.
The Thunder will be holding Stanley Cup Finals watch parties, beginning this Wednesday at the following locations:
Game 2- Wednesday, June 7 (OLN) 7:00 PM Fox & Hound 1421 N. Waterfront Parkway
Game 3- Saturday, June 10 (NBC) 7:00 PM Buffalo Wild Wings West 2413 N. Maize Road
Game 4- Monday, June 12 (NBC) 7:00 PM Fox & Hound (pending) 1421 N. Waterfront Parkway
Game 5- Wednesday, June 14 (NBC) 7:00 PM Buffalo Wild Wings West 2413 N. Maize Road
Also on Saturday, June 10th, Thunder veteran forwards Jason Duda and Travis Clayton, as well as Sonic Thunderdog will appear at the grand opening of the Northwest YMCA from 3:00-4:00 p.m., located at 13838 W. 21st Street. Thunder season tickets, still the least expensive in the CHL, are on sale now, ranging from $256 to $408. For more information, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from June 5, 2006
- Bucks Organization Nominated For Seven Awards - Laredo Bucks
- Killer Bees staff earn awards at CHL spring conference - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Eagles Earn Two Awards at Spring Conference - Colorado Eagles
- Thunder reaps benefits of successful season - Wichita Thunder
- Rio Rancho Events Center tour dates announced - New Mexico Scorpions
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.
