Thunder, McClelland Part Ways

Wichita, KS (April 16th) - The Wichita Thunder, proud member of the ECHL powered by Toyota, announced today that the team will not renew the contract of Head Coach Kevin McClelland.

"This has been such a tough decision," said Thunder Owner Rodney Steven II. "Kevin was the head coach when we purchased the team in 2011. Since that time, we have appreciated the relationship we have had with him and his family over these last five years and we are thankful for the contributions he has made to the Thunder. However, we felt it was best for the organization to move in a new direction for next season. We sincerely wish Kevin and his family all the best. We made a commitment early on to this organization to win - three years of not making it to the playoffs has been very hard for us to endure."

McClelland came to the Thunder in 2010 and guided the Thunder for six seasons. He is the longest tenured coach in Thunder history, having led the team for 408 games. During his time in Wichita, McClelland compiled a record of 194-166-48.

"We are very committed to this league but honestly and more importantly to the Wichita Thunder, we want our team to win and win! There are no sure answers when it comes to switching coaches but I promise you this, Coach McClelland will always be an important part of what got us into hockey and will remain close friends with him!"

A search for the next coach of the Thunder will commence immediately. 2016-17 will be the 25th season of Thunder hockey and season ticket packages are on sale now, starting as low as $110. Season tickets can be ordered by calling the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL. For more information visit us online at www.wichitathunder.com.

Follow along with us on our social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter (@wichita_thunder), Snapchat (wichthunder), Instagram (Wichita_Thunder) and LinkedIn, presented by Wichita Brewing Company.

About the ECHLThe 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 over 500 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-