Wichita, KS (Sept. 26th) - The Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League, powered by Toyota, are excited to announce the additions of goaltender Tim Boron along with forwards Robert Davis and Josh Graves to the roster for the upcoming 2014-15 season.
Boron, 31, has played the last seven years in the CHL, four of which were with the Rapid City Rush from 2010-14. A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the 6-foot, 177-pound netminder is no stranger to the Air Capital. He played for the Thunder in 2008-09 and parts of the 2009-10 season before heading to the Mississippi RiverKings. Over the last three years in the Black Hills, Boron has won at least 20 games and put up an impressive 74-35-7 record with a goals against of 2.44 and a save percentage of .916 in 129 starts. He was nominated as a finalist for Most Outstanding Goalie this past season as his goals against average (2.45) was best among all CHL goaltenders while finishing second in wins (30), fifth in saves (1254) and save percentage (.915). In the league's annual Best-of-the-Best poll, Boron was named Best Goaltender in Shootouts. He won six times with games finishing in penalty shots, stopping 43-of-47 last season (.915 SOS%).
“I am very excited to reunite with the Wichita Thunder organization. As a visiting player Wichita has always been one of the best places to come play. It has an awesome venue but most importantly it has a great atmosphere with some of the most loyal and hardcore fans in the league. Coach McClelland always brings in a team that can compete for a championship and I'm looking forward to being a part of it and making this season a success.”
Boron is entering his ninth year as a pro. He broke into the ranks during the 2006-07 campaign with the Colorado Eagles, where he won a CHL Title and 13 games that year. The St. Cloud State University product also collected three shutouts during the playoff run, which was a CHL record. Boron still holds the record for most saves in a single game, stopping 68 of 70 shots on May 5th, 2011 against the Colorado Eagles in Game 4 of the Turner Conference Finals. His performance broke a CHL-record that stood for over 15 seasons.
Davis, 21, begins his first year as a pro after spending the last four seasons splitting time with the Amherst Ramblers of the MJAHL and Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the QMJHL. The Truro, Nova Scotia native racked up 608 penalty minutes in 197 career games while also tallying 50 points (19g, 31a) between the two teams. Last year, he collected 23 points (10g, 13a) and 161 penalty minutes in 47 games with the Ramblers. The 6-foot-1, 221-pound forward originally signed with the Huntsville Havoc of the SPHL in the off-season before getting the opportunity to come to the Air Capital.
“I'm very excited for the chance to play for Coach McClelland and an organization such as Wichita,” commented Davis. “I'm looking forward to helping the team win with my physical, blue collar style of play.”
Graves, 21, enters his rookie season after playing the last two years for the University of Windsor. A native of Barrie, Ontario, the 6-foot-3, 182-pound forward played two seasons with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League. During the 2011-12 season, he collected 20 points (8g, 12a) in 66 games. Described as a grinding power forward with a big frame, Graves brings an edge to his game and is looking forward to starting his pro career.
“I am very excited to be joining the Wichita Thunder Organization,” commented Graves. “With the long history of hockey in the CHL, I look forward to continuing my career with the Thunder. I have heard nothing but great things about the team and the city and I can't wait to get the season underway.”
Training camps will open for each team on Monday, October 13th. Wichita will open the regular season at home on Saturday, October 25th against the Allen Americans at 7:05 p.m. Individual tickets are on sale now for the home opener. 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 this off-season by visitingwww.wichitathunder.com.