It was once a given that Travis Clayton would have his jersey retired by the Wichita Thunder. In fact, I envisioned a ceremony during which Clayton’s No. 38 and Jason Duda’s No. 11 were retired at the same time. Such a move seemed fitting, since they were longtime linemates and will finish their careers as the leaders in nearly every offensive category for the Thunder.
Since Clayton left to play for rival Bossier-Shreveport, the question is this: Should it still be a slam dunk, no-brainer that his jersey is retired by the Thunder? Thunder GM Joel Lomurno addresses the issue in my CHL Report tomorrow.
Mostly cheers or boos: Clayton received the definition of a “mixed reaction” when he was introduced before Saturday’s game. I estimated the response as 55-45 cheers. Thunder broadcaster Steve Schuster called it 60-40 boos. He’s a Mets fans. Thus, the negative outlook.
Injury update: Jonathan Bernier may play Friday. Chris Shudo won’t return til the end of the month, at the earliest.
First impression: Coach Brent Bilodeau had this to say about newcomer Joel Hanson: “He’s a bigger forward, a skilled forward. He can shoot the puck. It will take him some time to fit in and get used to the system.”