I know Thunder fans, and I know they would want this quote immediately. So instead of making you wait til the morning…
I asked coach Kevin McClelland what he thought about the two-game suspension the CHL handed out to Alex Bourret, who got a match penalty on Friday on a hit that officials deemed an illegal check to the head.
After I asked the question, McClelland immediately said “no comment.” Then, he added: “I got two tickets to the ballet. I’m gonna enjoy it with my wife on Sunday.”
Andrew Martens, the CHL's top defenseman, won't play in tomorrow's exhibition game. He should play Saturday.
We know there are players on the bubble to make the Thunder roster. Their job gets tougher with the addition of Chris Chappell, a 6-foot-4 forward whose rights are owned by the NY Rangers.
His signing should be made official today. Coach Kevin McClelland described him as a “big body” who works in the corners and has the potential to score some points.
Chappell was an all star in the Ontario Hockey League, scoring 38 goals and 76 points, to go along with 88 penalty minutes, for Saginaw in 2008-09. In July 2009, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Rangers. After being limited by injuries in 2009-10, he played 53 games for the Greenville Road Warriors in 2010-2011, scoring nine goals and 38 points. He earned a five-game promotion to Connecticut of the American Hockey League.
The below was when my inbox when I woke up from my afternoon nap. Thunder fans should be pleased to know the camp will be a “rigorous one.”
THUNDER PLAYERS TO BEGIN TRAINING FOR 2011-2012 SEASON ON MONDAY
Players will start a rigorous training schedule in anticipation of the season, which kicks off on October 21.
Wichita, KS – The Wichita Thunder opens training camp on their 20th Central Hockey League season 10 a.m. on Monday morning at the Wichita Ice Center.
The Thunder will hold their first practice from 10 – 11:30 a.m. on Monday, though the remainder of the training camp practice schedule will be announced later next week.
The practice is open to the public, and each year the training camp attracts a sizable amount of fans.
Twenty-four players will take to the ice on Monday with the addition of rookie forward Steve Moore. The new Thunder team will see their first action next weekend when they host the Tulsa Oilers on Friday and Saturday, October 14 and 15, also at the Wichita Ice Center. Both games will face-off at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Thunder office, located at 505 W. Maple.
The Wichita Thunder will open the regular season on Friday, October 21 versus the Rapid City Rush and tickets are on sale now at the INTRUST Bank Arena Box Office, www.selectaseat.com or by calling (316) 755-SEAT. Season tickets are still available and can be ordered by calling the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL. For more information, visit us online at www.wichitathunder.com.