BY KOLLEN LONG, The Wichita Eagle-
And the winner is
Travis Clayton, who scored a career-low 50 points, was named the Thunder MVP in a ceremony before the season finale on Saturday.
"He competes every night, no matter what the score is," Weingartner said.
Other team awards went to Kyle Bruce (glass rattler), Stan Yanchishyn (most improved), Brad Thompson (player's player), Todd Paul (top defenseman), Mike Batovanja (unsung hero) and Tyler Hanchuck (community service).
Support still strong
Despite the poor season, the Thunder averaged 5,949 fans per game -- second in the Central Hockey League but down from 6,239 in 2006-07.
Presson described the fan support as "unbelievable" but conceded that the team needs to improve or attendance will suffer.
"Our fans want a rough-and-tumble team, no doubt about it," he said. "If we can find the way to field a rough-and-tumble team that wins, we'll have the best of both worlds, and our attendance would be staggering."
Dubious distinctions
Presson called the season "forgettable." Unfortunately, several of the low points will go down in the record books:
• The road record (4-26-2) was worst in team history.
• The team scored a franchise-low 156 goals.
• For the first time, no Thunder player recorded 200 shots. Daniel Tetrault had 197.
