Thunder signs junior star
Published on September 21, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder today added some offensive punch, signing gritty, high-scoring forward Josh Welter.
Welter joins the Thunder from the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) where he finished his career as the franchise leader in every offensive category. His career numbers include 96 goals, 198 assists and 294 points in a franchise-most 235 games. Welter also ranks second in Storm history with 568 penalty minutes.
A 5-10, 170-pound left wing, Welter led the Storm in scoring in each of the last three seasons. His best season came in 2002-03, when he finished second in the AJHL with 98 points, including a league-best 69 assists, and was named the Storm's Most Valuable Player.
An AJHL All-Star last season, Welter finished third in the AJHL with 74 points and added 170 penalty minutes. He continued his torrid pace in the postseason, leading Grande Prairie to their first AJHL Title. As AJHL Champions, Grande Prairie participated in the Royal Bank Cup, the Canadian "A" Championship tournament, where Welter finished second among all scorers with 10 points in five games.
"Josh is a gritty player and a proven scorer with championship experience", said Thunder head coach Derek Laxdal. "I am confident that he will fit in well at the CHL level and could have a very bright future ahead of him in a Thunder uniform."
Welter also led the Storm off the ice, running spring and fall hockey camps. He started his own charitable organization, "Welter's World", which provided Storm tickets to underprivileged children. He finishes his junior career as the 16th leading scorer in AJHL history. Other AJHL standouts include former Edmonton Oilers' Mark Messier and Mike Comrie, Oklahoma Blazers' star Bryan Forslund and former San Antonio Iguanas' great Brian Shantz.
The Thunder open training camp in just 20 days, 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 still on sale. 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 September 21, 2004
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- CHL Partners with Hoffen Foundation - CHL
- Bucks & Law Out & About - Laredo Bucks
- Thunder signs junior star - Wichita Thunder
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