Bunz Earns Call-up to Edmonton

Wichita, KS (April 1st) - The Wichita Thunder, proud member of the ECHL and powered by Toyota, learned this afternoon that goaltender Tyler Bunz has been recalled to the Edmonton Oilers from the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League.

Bunz, 23, appeared in 17 games this season for the Thunder, going 6-10-0-1 with a goals against average of 2.97. The St. Albert, Alberta native is a former fifth round draft pick (#121 overall) of the Edmonton Oilers in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He was called up to the Barons in early February, which was the third time he had been sent back to the Oilers' AHL affiliate.

He becomes the second Thunder netminder to head to the NHL this year and the first goaltender in team history to reach the NHL in the same season. Former Thunder goalie Scott Darling is currently playing with the Chicago Blackhawks and has been selected as the team's nominee for the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy. The award is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Wichita returns to action tonight against Allen at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday is Fan Appreciation Night. Fans can find free upper level buy-in vouchers at local businesses around town including Kwik Shop, Wendy's, Lamar's, Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers and Arby's.

Individual tickets are on sale now. Don't delay! Tickets can be purchased at the INTRUST Arena Box office, by calling 755-SEAT or go online at www.selectaseat.com. Stay up-to-date on all the news during the season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com. About the ECHL

The ECHL began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states and has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 28 teams in 20 states and one Canadian province for its 27th season in 2014-15. There have been 541 players who have started their career in the ECHL have gone on to play in the National Hockey League, including 29 who made their NHL debuts in the 2013-14 season. The ECHL had affiliations with 26 of the 30 NHL teams in 2013-14, marking the 17th consecutive season that the league had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com, as well as on Twitter and Facebook.

-Thunder-