CHL Wichita Thunder

Wight Selected as CHL Man of the Year

March 19, 2013 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


Wichita, KS (March 19th) - T he Central Hockey League announced today that defenseman Travis Wight has been selected as the 2012-13 CHL Man of the Year. Wight becomes the first Thunder player to be selected for the award. The award is selected by the CHL front office based on nominations and supporting materials presented from member clubs. The other finalists for the award were Bloomington's Jon Booras, Missouri's David Simoes, Rapid City's Scott Wray and Tulsa's Gary Steffes.

The CHL Man of the Year Award is 'presented annually to the Central Hockey League player adjudged to have best exemplified strong leadership qualities on and off the ice, while making significant and noteworthy humanitarian contributions to his community.'

"The CHL Man of the Year Award is a significant award for a player in the CHL each season," said Duane Lewis, CHL Commissioner. "It comes with great pleasure to recognize Travis publicly for his work in the Wichita community and the surrounding areas, as players continue to give of their time in charitable ways without expecting any recognition. On behalf of the entire CHL, I would like to congratulate and thank Travis for his efforts in assisting in such admirable causes while playing for the Thunder organization not just this season, but over his 3 years with the club."

Wight has been a cornerstone for Wichita over the last three seasons. On the ice, the Fannystelle, Manitoba native has played in 194-consecutive games in a Thunder uniform. Off the ice, Wight is involved in many different aspects in the community. After graduating with his masters from Newman University last season, he spends his time away from the arena student teaching and creating lesson plans for the children he educates. He also helps out with a group of special needs adults, called The ARC. Members of the Thunder, including Travis, play in a floor hockey game with these individuals and invite them out to a game where the Thunder wear special uniforms to help raise money for their cause.

"I had the opportunity to work with coach Wight in the fall of 2012. Without a doubt, Travis connected with our students immediately, showing the ideal balance of compassion and discipline," commented Steve Blue, Physical Education Department Chair and Head Basketball Coach at Eisenhower High School in Goddard, Kansas. "He is a natural leader and a positive influence, to which the students genuinely responded. Coach Wight made a lasting impact on our school community, more than he even knows."

Wight has appeared in most of the advertising the team has used throughout the season, including ads for a local furniture store and Eagle Med Save Thunder Dog Night, where the team helped to pack the house to help pay for his medical bills. The seven-year pro has established himself as a significant member of the greater Wichita community and as an exemplary player on the ice.

"Travis is a tremendous asset to the city of Wichita and represents our organization well," said Joel Lomurno, Wichita Thunder General Manager. "Whether it be helping out in the community, visiting hospitals or talking with fans before the game, Travis is always the first player to volunteer. Most importantly when Travis is not on the ice with the Thunder, he is either down at the Wichita Ice Center helping the kids or at Eisenhower High School working with young people in and out of the classroom. It is a great honor for him to be named as the CHL Man of the Year and I thank him for all his hard work."

CHL Man of the Year (previous winners, since 2001)

2012-13 - Travis Wight (Wichita)

2011-12 - Riley Weselowski (Rapid City)

2010-11 - Simon Watson (Missouri)

2009-10 - Justin Quenneville (Corpus Christi)

2008-09 - Austin Sutter (Amarillo)

2007-08 - Stacey Bauman (Oklahoma City)

2006-07 - Riley Nelson (Colorado)

2005-06 - Paul Fioroni (Lubbock)

2004-05 - Paul Fioroni (Lubbock)

2003-04 - Don Parsons (Memphis)

2002-03 - Anthony Donskov (Lubbock)

2001-02 - Scott Hillman (Odessa)

Wichita finishes its four-game road trip in Allen, TX tonight against the Americans. The Thunder will not return to home-ice until March 22nd against the Allen Americans. For tickets, call 755-SEAT, visit the INTRUST Bank Arena box office or online at www.selectaseat.com.

Wichita Thunder playoff packages are on sale now. There are many ways to get involved, so be a part of the Blue Revolution and the Thunder's quest for a CHL Title. Contact the Wichita Thunder Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (316) 264-4625 or visit the fan relations table behind section 120 at any Wichita Thunder home game for more information. Join the Blue Revolution today!

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