Thunder Claim Schultz; Assigned Milan from Tampa Bay

Wichita, KS (Oct. 21st) - The Wichita Thunder, proud member of the ECHL and powered by Toyota, officially announced several roster moves as Opening Night draws closer. Forward Stephen Schultz has been claimed off of waivers from Orlando. Also, defenseman Dan Milan has been assigned from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL) by the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL). In other moves, the Thunder re-signed forward Michael Budd while releasing forward Andy Bathgate and defenseman Jarrko Leppanen from their ECHL agreements.

Schultz, 27, originally signed in the off-season with the Orlando Solar Bears in August. A native of Westbury, New York, the 5-foot-11, 181-pound forward played last season with ESV Kaufbeuren in Germany this past year, recording 50 points (18g, 32a) in 48 games. Schultz played a four-year collegiate career at Colorado College before turning pro in 2010-11. During his senior season, he tallied 47 points (17g, 30a) in 43 games. He finished the season with the Texas Stars of the AHLand played five games after he left school. His best year came during the 2012-13 campaign when the fifth-year pro potted 27 goals and 27 assists (54 points) in 55 games with the Trenton Titans of the ECHL.

Milan, 22, played last season for the Brampton Beast of the Central Hockey League, totaling 10 points (8g, 2a) with 108 penalty minutes in 50 games. The 6-foot-2, 209-pound blueliner made his AHL debut on March 7th in a 4-1 loss to the Rochester Americans. A native of Detroit, Michigan, began his professional career in 2012-13 with the Florida Everblades, notching eight assists in 43 contests. Prior to turning pro, Milan played 130 games in the QMJHL with the Moncton Wildcats and Victoriaville Tigres. He earned All-Rookie Team honors in 2010-11 when he tallied 38 points (14g, 24a) in Moncton.

Season tickets will be available to pick up on Wednesday, October 22nd starting at 6 p.m. at Pucks Sports Bar at the Wichita Ice Center. Players will be on hand to meet and greet season ticket holders. Small appetizers and a cash bar will be available during the event.

Individual tickets are on sale for the home opener against the Allen Americans on Saturday, October 25th.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-