Wichita Youth Hockey Changes Name to Junior Thunder

Wichita, KS (August 17th) - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators and powered by Toyota, is proud to announce that the Wichita Youth Hockey Association will officially rename all their youth hockey teams to the Wichita Junior Thunder. "This is an exciting time for youth hockey in Wichita," Matt Allred, WYHA President. "This is an honor to share the name of the ECHL's Wichita Thunder and the WSHL's Wichita Junior Thunder. Changing our team names to the Jr. Thunder is simply awesome. What kid out there wouldn't want to be a member of the Junior Thunder? Last year, we had over 150 kids in the program and we'd like to double that number this year."

The WYHA, previously known as the Wichita Warriors, are coming off a banner year with a record of 104-40-9 for all five travel teams combined. The High School Varsity team took second place in the Mid-America High School Hockey League with a record of 22-1-1 with their only loss in the Championship Game, while the Junior Varsity Team won the JV Championship with a record of 22-2-1.

"It's very exciting to see the whole Wichita community under the same brand and back under the umbrella of the Wichita Thunder," stated Michael McCoy, Vice President of Ticket Sales and Community Relations. "We're very engaged with the WYHA on a creative fundraising program to help supplement their costs to play hockey. This type of fundraising opportunity is new to the Wichita market and we hope it helps grow the sport here in town."

The youth hockey season runs October through February and now is the time to sign up. WYHA is currently taking registrations for boys and girls ages five to 18 years old (Senior / High School) and for all skill levels. There are two ways to register your Wichita Jr. Thunder hockey player:

(1) Log-on to the website at www.wyhajrthunder.com until 8/21/16 or

(2) Attend the in person registration that is scheduled on Sunday 8/21/16 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM at the Wichita Ice Center (505 W. Maple St. Wichita, KS)

For additional information, please reach out to Matt Allred at allred36@gmail.com.

The Thunder kicks off their 25th Anniversary season on Saturday, October 15th against the Tulsa Oilers. Season tickets are on sale now. Place a $25 deposit for up to four seats and pay it off in 14 payments. Contact a Thunder representative at the office today.

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-Thunder-