Wichita, KS (Oct. 11th) - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, AHL's Bakersfield Condors and powered by Toyota, announced today the hiring of John Gurskis as an assistant coach.
Gurskis was a teammate of current Thunder Head Coach, Bruce Ramsay, during the 2000-01 season. A native of Brockton, Massachusetts, the 43-year old enters the pro ranks for the first time in a coaching position. He served as a Player/Assistant Coach during four separate seasons with Macon, St. Pete-Winston Salem and the Florida Seals. He has been involved with the South Shore Kings in several different roles since 2008-09, working with kids.
Prior to retiring, Gurskis turned pro in 1998 with the ECHL's Columbus Chill and had a successful career at the minor league level. He had his best season in 2001-02 with the Thunder, recording 64 points (28g, 36a) in 69 games. Gurskis played all the way until the 2007-08 season when he finished his playing career with the Southern Professional Hockey League's Twin City Cyclones.
Wichita opens the season at home on Friday and Saturday, October 11th and 12th and will host the 2020 Warrior Hockey/ECHL All-Star Classic, presented by Toyota, on Wednesday January 22nd, 2020. Get your tickets now for the league's annual showcase that features some of the best young talent across the ECHL by clicking here.
Season tickets for the 2019-20 season are on sale now. Get your seats for just $34 per month. All it takes is a $1 deposit per seat to reserve yours today. To learn more, click here or contact a Thunder representative at the office today!
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-Thunder-