Sides, Neal Signed to Tryout Agreements for Upcoming Camp

Wichita, KS (Sept. 29th) - The Wichita Thunder, proud member of the ECHL and powered by Toyota, announced on Tuesday that forwards Joey Sides and Michael Neal have been signed to tryout agreements for the upcoming training camp that kicks off next week.

Sides, 29, begins his fifth season as a pro. A native of Sun Valley, Idaho, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward played last year for the Rapid City Rush. He turned pro in 2009-10, signing with the CHL's Arizona Sundogs. In two seasons, he collected 98 points (44g, 54a) in 123 games and was selected to the 2010-11 CHL All-Star Game. Sides then went on to play for the Colorado Eagles, appearing in 73 games and tallying 69 points (36g, 33a). He earned the ECHL Plus Performer of the Month back in February 2012, going +13 during the month.

Neal, 26, enters his sixth season as a pro. A native of Whitby, Ontario, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound forward is a former fifth round pick (#149 overall) of the Dallas Stars during the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He split time this past season with the Cincinnati Cyclones and the Kalamazoo Wings appearing in 60 games and recording 39 points (19g, 20a). Neal, who is the younger brother of Nashville Predators forward James Neal, also spent time in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Texas Stars.

Tickets are on sale now for our home opener! The remaining home games will be made available starting on Thursday, October 1st beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at the INTRUST Arena Box office, by calling 855-755-SEAT or go online at www.selectaseat.com.

Season tickets are on sale now. Don't delay! Call the Wichita Thunder office and visit with a season ticket rep today to learn more. Stay up-to-date on all the news during the off-season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com.

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About the ECHL

Began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 28 teams in 21 states and one Canadian province for its 28th season in 2015-16. There have been 569 players who have started their career in the ECHL have gone on to play in the National Hockey League, including 28 who made their NHL debuts in the 2014-15 season. The ECHL had affiliations with 29 of the 30 NHL teams in 2014-15, marking the 18th 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.

-Thunder-