Thunder Unveils All-Kansas Coliseum Team
January 9, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder announced its "All-Kansas Coliseum Team" prior to the building's final game on Saturday night.
The six-player squad is composed of forwards Jason Duda, Travis Clayton, and Tom Roulston, defensemen Sean O'Reilly and Brad Knelson, and goaltender Bobby Desjardins.
Duda is in his 14th consecutive season with the Thunder and is the franchise's all-time leader in games played (730), goals (337), assists (533), and points (870), records that were all broken last season. Duda also ranks second all-time in CHL history in games played, and third in goals, assists, and points. Born in Sexsmith, Alberta, Duda produced one of the Coliseum's most memorable moments when he scored in overtime in Game Four of the 1997 CHL Quarterfinals to eliminate rival Oklahoma City. Earlier this season, Duda took over as Head Coach of the Thunder.
Clayton spent 11 seasons in Wichita, and still ranks second in Thunder history in games played, goals, assists, and points. Last season, the Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan native broke the CHL's record for games played and is currently second in CHL history in goals, assists, and points.
Roulston was a member of the Thunder's second championship team, scoring 30 points in 23 games down the stretch of 1995. Roulston added 24 more points in just 11 playoff contests helping the Thunder capture back-to-back league titles. Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the third round in 1977, Roulston spent five seasons in the NHL, appearing in 195 games for the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native was also a member of the original Central Hockey League, playing two seasons for the Wichita Wind from 1980-1982.
O'Reilly spent five seasons in a Thunder sweater from 1997-2002, averaging over 185 penalty minutes per season, and twice finishing with more than 200. The London, Ontario native's 926 PIM rank fourth in Thunder history, while his 169 points are first among Thunder blue liners. Nicknamed "The Junkyard Dog", O'Reilly helped the Thunder to three consecutive playoff berths from 1998-2000.
Knelson (pronounced kuh-NELL-son) played three seasons for the Wichita Wind from 1980-1983, teaming with Roulston to help the Wind reach the playoffs in both 1981 and 1982. Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the third round in 1978, Knelson averaged 24 points and 163 penalty minutes per season during his time in Wichita. The native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan also played two seasons in the AHL.
Desjardins manned the crease during the Thunder's first two seasons, winning the CHL's inaugural Rookie of the Year award in 1993, and helping the Thunder win their first championship the following season. Born in Verdun, Quebec, Desjardins went 38-12-5 during the 1993-94 season and won the CHL's Bill Levins Most Valuable Player award before posting an 8-2 mark in the postseason. To this day, Desjardins still ranks first in Thunder history in wins, minutes played, and saves. He is also one of only three players to have his number (#35) retired by the Thunder.
The Thunder leaves the Coliseum with a composite record of 337-224-52 (.600) record in the regular season and playoffs. The Thunder's first game was played on November 4th, 1992 when Wichita defeated the Fort Worth Fire 6-4. The Thunder clinched its second championship on April 18th, 1995 at the Coliseum, beating the San Antonio Iguanas 9-4 in Game Six of the CHL Finals.
Wichita's first game at the INTRUST Bank Arena is Saturday, January 23rd versus the Tulsa Oilers. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
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