1. WICHITA JUNIOR
THUNDER
The Wichita Junior Thunder is a Junior A Tier II program, with
players 16 to 20 years of age, playing out of the Wichita Ice
Center, located at 505 W Maple St Wichita
(316) 264-4625
http://catiaprogrammer.wix.com/wichitajrthunder#!
3. Thank you for your interest in joining the Wichita Junior Thunder for the 2015-16 season.
Below is the basics of the program, I assure you, we have one of the best set ups at the
Junior Hockey level. Please look it over with your parents and let me know what you
think.
Our team has not yet set up a mini camp for this off season but we will enter the Junior
team in our Level One Wichita River Fest Tournament here in Wichita the first week of
June, there is usually 4 to 6 pretty competitive teams involved and is a good time, you
are welcome to come skate for that weekend, we can just put you up at one of the billets
if you are interested, or get a deal on our team hotel. This would be a great opportunity
to check out our facilities and for us to meet you, there will be a lot of potential players
playing in the tournament that we will be signing for next year.
Another point I like to make to recruits is that Junior Hockey is about giving kids the tools
to develop their skills, there are lots of teams out there that win a lot of games while
riding their best players. Although we will strive to be more competitive every year, we
are about the player development and that comes with playing time. Sure you can go to
a more established organization but that doesn't mean you will play. Some teams carry
as many as 30 players allowing for the players in the stands to fund the first liners.
Although we plan on getting to the 25 players which would include 3 goalies and 22
players (20 play every night), in two years our max line up has only been 21 players
which essentially guarantees playing time.
Here is a rundown of what we offer and how much it costs:
Billet Fees $350 per month paid on the 1st day you move in and every month after that.
Team Fees are $8,000 and needs to be paid with a $1000 minimum down payment and
four postdated checks or bank drafts for Sept 1st, Oct 1st, Nov 1st and December 1st, for
the remaining balance. We do offer payment plans throughout the season as well, but
you will need to leave a credit card number or post-dated checks so you can be billed
monthly.
We as a team realize the costs of playing hockey in the US, that's why we are trying to
provide the best possible training and learning environment for our players. Our owners
are a Health Club based ownership and within the last 5 years have taken over the
hockey industry here in Wichita. For us, that is the best combination a junior player
could ask for, ice time and gym time.
This is what we have to offer:
Our team gets the same equipment and jerseys as the Pro team here town, so we get all
Easton Equipment and Pro Style jerseys. The Players will get a black helmet and black
gloves that they will keep, they are provided black covers for their pants that they return
to us. We also have hockey bags for the players that we use each year (not to keep).
Players will be provided game tape and some practice tape, free skate sharpening and a
15% discount in our pro shop that can order any major brand of equipment and sticks.
Goal-tending equipment is very expensive but we do have some options to get new gear
at a "Pro Cost" due to our affiliation with the Pro Thunder team. Players will get a team
track suit and team work out short and shirts to keep as well. We will wear track suits on
all road games and players wear suits for home games. Player will also get to keep one
jersey at the end of the year (as a team they vote on home or away). Please check out
our website at http://catiaprogrammer.wix.com/wichitajrthunder#!
4. This is what we have to offer: (continued)
Players also get to go to any pro Thunder game for free, when we are in town the guys
get together and go to the games. Pro players will skate with our team all the way up to
October and during season if they need extra ice time or are recovering from injury.
Junior players always try harder with pros on the ice and for them to see how hard
professionals work at practice helps them understand the commitment needed to fully
reach their goals.
A huge part of we what we offer is our Facilities, both at the Wichita Ice Center and
Genesis Health Clubs, at this stage of their career these are the two most important
aspects that need to be addressed. The players get to skate at any Drop-In, Stick and
Puck or Public skate for free when they are already scheduled. We have over 120 hours
scheduled for practice this year not including the drop-ins or stick and puck
opportunities which could amount to an extra 4 hours per week on the ice or over 100
additional hours of ice time. The players get a work out pass and are able to work out at
any of the four state of the art Genesis Health Clubs in the Wichita area, including the
one on second floor of our rink. Team will have weight training regimen and spin class on
a weekly basis. Please visit the Genesis website at http://www.genesishealthclubs.com/
to learn more about the facilities.
Team locker room access through punch code on door, so if players wants to get extra ice
time they have easy access to equipment
The WSHL is the largest and is a very talented and growing Junior A league, we play a 52
game schedule highlighted by our College Showcase in Las Vegas, where over 50 colleges
and higher Junior leagues will be in attendance. This will take place in December, usually
the third week and will feature 4 games for our program. With the addition of Oklahoma
plus Tulsa already being in the league we plan to schedule exhibition games throughout
the season.
**We do have trade with most of the teams in our division, with trade we get both pre-
game meals and post game meals plus hotel stay with some form of hot free breakfast.
The teams that we do not trade with, our team will cover cost of pre-game and post
game meals including the “buffet pass” during the Showcase in Las Vegas.
We are signing players early this year and hope they can come in as early as possible to
start building team rapport, I'm not rushing any decision on your part, we just don't want
to be building teams in August. Since our owners own the ice and we have Pro Players
that stick around all summer, we will have ice time to scrimmage and work on your skills.
**Also, if you are interested in our program, please send me a basic bio including
Height, Weight, Position, which way you shoot or catch, DOB and stats from last year
to rweingartner@wichitathunder.com
5. Joel Lomurno- General Manager
A graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA, Joel has
been with the Thunder organization for 22 years serving in
various capacities. Joel is GM for both the Jr. Thunder and
the East Coast Hockey League’s Wichita Thunder. The pro
Thunder team advanced to the CHL Finals in both 2012 and
2013 and ranks among the CHL leaders every year for
attendance.
jlomurno@wichitathunder.com
Rob Weingartner- Head Coach
A level 4 USA Hockey Certified Coach, Rob brings over 25 years of
hockey experience to the Wichita Jr. Thunder. Rob was an
Assistant Coach for the Wichita Thunder (CHL) from 2005 to 2007
where he was name Head Coach for the remainder of the 2007-08
season. He had an 8-year professional career as a player in the
CHL, ECHL, IHL and had a couple of try-outs at the NHL Level. Rob
has also helped develop the youth hockey programs in Wichita and
has taught hockey camps throughout his career.
rweingartner@jrwichitathunder.com Phone: 316-841-9274
Kevin St. Pierre- Asst. GM/ Goalie Coach
Kevin had a solid professional career, playing 16 years in 7
different leagues including two championships, one with
Shreveport in the WPHL and one with Nottingham in the EIHL.
Originally from Sherbrooke, QC, Kevin won 40 plus games 3
times in his career, won Goaltender of the Year in 97-98 and
had a try-out with the Nashville Predators of the NHL. Along
with his administrative duties Kevin will also help on the bench
and with Goaltenders.
.Sean O’Reilly- Assistant Coach
Sean played five years in the Central Hockey League all for the
Wichita Thunder, from 1997 through 2002. O’Reilly was an all
around defenseman who scored 27 goals and had 142 assists
for a total of 169 points in 311 games played. He also managed
926 penalty minutes in that time earning his nick name “The
Junk Yard Dog”. Sean played juniors in the OHL and won a
Championship while playing for Acadia in Canadian University.
Sean is also the President of the Youth Hockey in Wichita.
6. Why choose the Wichita Junior Thunder?
The Wichita Junior Thunder has teamed up
with Genesis Health Clubs, Wichita Thunder
and The Wichita Ice Center to provide a top
Quality, Junior “A” hockey experience in the
city of Wichita. With a 46 game schedule
highlighted with a December Showcase in
Las Vegas where colleges and Junior scouts
will be in attendance, the Wichita Junior
Thunder will be a great place to take the
next step in your hockey career.
Genesis Health Club has five comprehensive
fitness centers in Wichita Kansas, offering
the most well rounded fitness experience in
the Midwest. Each of the Genesis Health
Clubs locations provides cardio and weight
training equipment, group fitness classes,
personal trainers, and much more.
Each of the five Wichita, Kansas clubs also
provide specialized amenities and services
including child care, tanning, basketball
courts, steam rooms, tennis courts,
yoga/pilates studios and more. Check out
each Wichita health club to learn more.
With the newest of Genesis Health Clubs
located on the second floor of the Wichita
Ice Center, each player will have optimal
opportunity to strengthen his game and
work on a healthy life style with the use of
this facility.
7. The Wichita Thunder is in its 22
season competing in the Central
Hockey League and last year merged
into the ECHL. Under the direction of
two time CHL Coach of the Year,
Kevin McClelland, Wichita had a
record of 44-19-3 winning both the
Berry Conference and the Governor’s
Cup as first over all in 2012-13. He
also guided the Thunder to back to
back CHL Finals the previous two
seasons, ultimately coming up short
each time. With years of playing and
coaching success, coach McClelland
is building a winning tradition here in
Wichita.
Junior players will have direct
interaction with pro players on a
regular basis. They will be able to
attend games for free and get an
inside track on how the pro players
practice and prepare for games.
Junior Thunder players will also help
with promotions and community
service with the Pro Thunder players.
The Junior team will also have the
opportunity to play 2 games at
Intrust Bank Arena, the home of the
Wichita Thunder. This is a great
opportunity for our Junior players to
get a pro experience. These games
are played before the pro games,
usually at 3:00pm.
Head Coach
Kevin McClelland
8. The Wichita Ice Center has Olympic &
NHL Rinks, Full-Length Viewing
Windows, Meeting & Banquet Rental,
Concessions, Party Rooms, Learn To
Skate Programs, Learn to Play Hockey,
Youth & Adult Hockey Leagues,
Competitive and Recreational Figure
Skating Academy.
The Olympic ice rink will be the home
of our Wichita Junior Thunder. The big
ice surface will provide a great
opportunity to work on ever important
skating skills as well as angles. The rink
has over 800 seats plus Standing Room
available for the viewing of the Junior
“A” games.
Also located on premises is a Pro Shop
for all your equipment needs as well as
one of the awards winning Genesis
Health Clubs located on second floor.
The health club is adjacent to 'Pucks’, a
new sports bar also located upstairs at
the Ice Center. Pucks serves several
types of beer on tap, has a full bar and
includes several large flat-screen TVs
for sports viewing. It is a great hot spot
for after your workout to chill and relax
with friends!
9. What are the differences in the Junior Leagues in the USA?
Tier I
The United States Hockey League (17) (USHL) is currently the only Tier I league in
the country, it consists of teams in the central and Midwestern US. The USHL
provides an alternative to Major Junior Hockey for kids who want to play in the
NCAA. While playing in the USHL, all player expenses are paid for by the team; no
membership or equipment fees are charged. Unlike Major Junior teams however,
the pro drafting is significantly less and the free-college stipend does not exist. Tier
I in the US is often claimed to be better than the QMJHL in Canada, but the OHL
and WHL are widely considered better. Quality of play in the USHL has improved to
Major Junior levels in the past 15 years, with about 10% of NHL players having
played USHL in their career (compared with 40% who have played NCAA Division I
hockey at some time). Between 80 and 90 percent of USHL players play NCAA
hockey, as this is the main reason for playing Tier I instead of Major Junior in
Canada.
Tier II
Currently the North American Hockey League (24)(NAHL) and the Western States
Hockey League (28) (WSHL), are the only Tier II leagues in the United States. The
WSHL is the largest junior hockey league in the US and consists of teams spread
across the Western two thirds of the United States. The WSHL & NAHL, like the
USHL, provide young players an opportunity to play at a high level with a goal of
furthering their career at the NCAA Division I or III level. Although the level of play
is equal to the NAHL, the WSHL is a pay to play Tier II, similar to that of Canadian
Tier II leagues. The WSHL feels this economic mold is what keeps the league strong
and stable unlike the movement noted in the NAHL over the past couple years.
Tier III
The United States currently has ten Tier III leagues: the Western States Prospects
League (6), Eastern Junior Hockey League (20), North American 3 Hockey League
(32), North American 3 East Hockey League (12), Northern Pacific Hockey League
(6), United States Premier, Elite & Empire Hockey Leagues (57), Metropolitan
Junior Hockey League (19), and the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League (6). In
addition to paying for room and board, players at the Tier III level pay a fee,
commonly ranging from $6,500 to $8,500. This is for all accounts and purposes an
amateur level, although some players go directly to NCAA Division I schools, most
Tier III Junior A players are looking to increase their skills in hopes to move up to
Tier I or II, other players go directly to NCAA Division III and ACHA schools.
10. What league will the Wichita Junior Thunder play in?
The WSHL is a Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) sanctioned, Junior “A” Tier II level of Junior
Hockey coming off the most successful season in its 21-year history of the league. The
Western States Hockey League is proud of its 29 team strong Tier II level of Junior hockey
that continues to grow each year with both its level of play and its expansion throughout the
United States. The three new teams that joined during the 2014-15 season, the Oklahoma
City Jr. Blazers, Butte Cobras and Las Vegas Storm, were all very successful, which encouraged
Vancouver, WA to join the WSHL for the 2015-16 Season. For the sixth consecutive season,
the WSHL has expanded the amount of member clubs, from 13 teams in 2010-2011, to an
all-time high of 29 teams that will compete across four divisions in the 2015-2016 season.
The four divisions in the WSHL will look like the following for the 2015-16 Season:
New for 2015-16 will be a 52 game schedule, 24 of which will be played on home ice, 24 on
the road and (4) games at the Western States Shootout, an All-League Showcase in Las
Vegas, Nevada. For qualifying teams, there will be Play-Offs and possibly a National event.
Pacific Division
- Long Beach Bombers (Lakewood, CA)
- San Diego Gulls (Escondido, CA)
- Valencia Flyers (Valencia, CA)
- Fresno Monsters (Fresno, CA)
- Lake Tahoe Blue (Lake Tahoe, CA)
- Ontario Avalanche (Ontario, CA)
- Phoenix Knights (Chandler, AZ)
- Arizona Redhawks (Peoria, AZ)
Northwest Division
- Idaho Jr. Steelheads (McCall, ID)
- Ogden Mustangs (Ogden, UT)
- Seattle Totems (Seattle, WA)
- Southern Oregon Spartans (Medford, OR)
- Missoula Maulers (Missoula, MT)
- Butte Cobras(Butte, MT)
- Casper Coyotes (Casper, WY)
- Vancouver, WA 2015-16 Expansion Team
Mountain Division
- Colorado Eagles (Eagle, CO)
- Colorado Evolution (Arvada, CO)
- Colorado Roughriders (Superior, CO)
- Cheyenne Stampede (Cheyenne, WY)
- Las Vegas Storm (Las Vegas, NV)
- Casper Coyotes (Casper, WY)
- Salt Lake City Moose (Salt Lake City, UT)
Midwest Division
- Dallas Snipers (Euless, TX)
- Tulsa Jr. Oilers (Tulsa, OK)
- Wichita Jr. Thunder (Wichita, KS)
- El Paso Rhinos (El Paso, TX)
- Oklahoma City Blazer (Oklahoma City, OK)
- Springfield Express (Springfield, MO)
11. Where will I live?
Players will be provided a Billet to live with during the hockey season and sometimes until
school might be finished. The player is to pay a $350.00 per month during the season or
until the player stay ends at the billets.
The Billets will provide the following:
A separate room and closet for a player, or shared room and bath if hosting more than one
player. Desk and chair, Internet access, and furnishings as you might find in a dorm room.
Nutritious meals (Team pays for Pre & Post Game meals while on the road)
A patient, caring and friendly home atmosphere, the same guidance and attention you
would want for your children.
Where will I go to school or work?
High School age players will attend the school district in there Billets residence. Players will
be required to continue their education as if they were still in their home town. Players
already with a High School education will be urged to attend one of the many colleges in
the area or gain some form of part time employment during the hockey season.
What will I expect to pay for my season?
In addition to paying for room and board, $350.00 per month, players at the Tier II level pay
a fee, commonly ranging from $6,500 to $8,500, with the Jr. Thunder tuition being $8,000
per season. This fee is collected with an initial down payment and the remainder due Sept
1st, Oct 1st, Nov 1st and Dec 1st. If a player joins the team late in a month or is released from
the team before his month is finished the team will pro-rate according to number of days
divided by the sum paid. The team will work hard in the off season on sponsorships in hope
of lowering costs for the 2015-16 season.
(Housing is paid separately to Billets directly and due by the 1st of each upcoming month)
When will try-outs be?
The Jr. Thunder will be inviting potential players to come play in the River Fest tournament,
here in Wichita the first weekend in June. This is a no-check, but very competitive
tournament that will give incoming players a chance to see our facility and the city. You
must be 18 years old before June 1st to be able to play. I will also help potential recruits get
into NAHL camps that I will be scouting, to see how they match up with Tier II competition.
Please ask Coach Rob about your possibility of attending one of these camps. The
Birthdates eligible for Main Camp Try-Outs include years 1995 through 1999. The main
camp will be held the first week of September 2015, with the season starting shortly after.
This camp will be the primary players we plan on starting the season with along with some
players competing to earn a spot. We will skate 1 X a day for the first week for 1.5 hour
sessions, then 2x a day on the first weekend, players will also have dry land training daily at
Genesis Health Club located on 2nd floor of rink. We will keep 22 skaters and 3 goalies on
the team and players will compete daily for the chance to play the games, 20 players are in
the line-up for games. Players not in the line-up will be expected to help out with game day
promotions. The team will also only take 25 players when we play road games.
12. The Wichita Junior Thunder would like to congratulate the
following players for realizing their dream of playing hockey
at the next level.
YEAR PLAYER TEAM DIVISION LEAGUE STATUS
2012-13 CONNER
BOWMAN
FITCHBURG
STATE
NCAA DIV
III
MASCAC SIGNED
2012-13 DANIEL
WEISS
WESLEYAN
COLLEGE
NCAA DIV
III
NESCAC SIGNED
2012-13 CHRIS
SAWYER
HAMLINE
UNIVERSITY
NCAA DIV
III
SUNY SIGNED
2012-13 FILIP
MARTINEC
SHK 37
PIESTANY
PRO SVL SIGNED
2013-14 MARCO
MEDINA
HOLY CROSS
COLLEGE
ACHA ACHA SIGNED
2013-14 PHILIP
MOLTON
ROBERT
MORRIS
UNIVERSITY
ACHA ACHA SIGNED
2014-15 JAKE LARSON METRO STATE
UNIVERSITY
ACHA ACHA SIGNED
2014-15 TYLER LARSON TOPEKA NJCAA NJCAA SIGNED
2014-15 NIC
FITZSIMMONS
UNIVERSITY
OF
NEBRASKA
ACHA ACHA SIGNED
