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Hockey Operations Staff

HOCKEY OPERATIONS

Travis Clayton

Travis Clayton

Head Coach

Clayton, 50, begins his first year as the Thunder Head Coach. He recently completed his second season as the Thunder's Assistant Coach.

The Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan native began his coaching career with the Western States Hockey League's Dallas Snipers in 2012-13. Clayton transitioned back to Canada, where he took the helm of the Lloydminster Bobcats U18 AAA team for three seasons. He finished with the Alberta Junior Hockey League's Whitecourt Wolverines during the 2021-22 year before coming to Wichita.

During his playing career, Clayton spent 11 seasons in the Air Capital. He finished his career with the Bossier-Shreveport, playing two seasons with the Mudbugs. Clayton won his first President's Cup Trophy with Bossier-Shreveport during the 2010-11 season, tallying 13 points (3g, 10a) in 21 playoff games. 

Clayton was one of the faces of the franchise during his time in Wichita. He is near the top of every single offensive category in team history, sitting second in goals (326), second in assists (508), second in points (834), second in games played (696), first in power play goals (110), second in penalty minutes (1,063), first in shorthanded goals (26), first in game-winning goals (50) and first in plus/minus (+108).

He finished his playing career with 983 points (382-601--983) in 880 Central Hockey League games. He broke the CHL's record for games played (709), which was set by former Oklahoma City great Joe Burton. 

Clayton is one of just five players in franchise history to have his number retired. He joined Ron Handy, Bobby Desjardins, Rob Weingartner and Jason Duda as the only players in the team's 34-year history to receive that honor. 

Alex Mandolidis

Assistant Coach

Mandolidis, 41, enters the pro ranks for the first time in his coaching career. He most recently worked as an assistant coach for the men's hockey program at Marian University (NCAA DIII). 

Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Mandolidis comes to Wichita with a wide range of coaching experience, primarily at the junior and college ranks. Before heading to Marian, he served as the head coach and general manager for the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Winnipeg Blues. 

During his time in Manitoba, he also served as a head coach for Team Manitoba U16 and helped them to a gold medal at the 2023 WHL Cup. Mandolidis was also an assistant coach for Team Canada West at the 2023 World Junior A Challenge, which also earned a gold medal.  

Mandolidis had the honor of serving as an assistant coach for Team Greece during the Challenger Series this past May. The Challenger Series is a global platform for emerging hockey nations to prove their skill, gain elite competition experience, and inspire the next generation of players.

Joey Bouchard

Director of Scouting and Advisor to Hockey Operations

Bouchard joins the Thunder after a successful season as Director of Scouting with the Kansas City Mavericks this past year. He brings more than 18 years of experience as a hockey executive, head coach, general manager, and director of scouting across professional, major junior, university, and junior hockey.

Throughout his career, Bouchard has built a reputation for developing winning programs and advancing players to the next level. He has earned championship titles and Coach of the Year honors while helping numerous players reach the NHL, including Brandon Hagel, Derek Ryan, Samuel Girard, Mathieu Olivier, and Simon Benoit.

During his tenure with the Whitecourt Wolverines, Bouchard led a dramatic organizational turnaround, improving the team’s point total by 49 points in a single season and guiding the club to a 90-point campaign, a .750 winning percentage, and an eighth-place national ranking in Canada. Under his leadership, more than 50 players advanced to NCAA Division I, Wesetern Hockey League, and USPORTS programs over a four-year span, further establishing his reputation as one of the game’s premier talent evaluators and player developers.

Frank Jury

Frank Jury

Equipment Manager

Frank 'Rizzo' Jury is entering his 50th season in professional hockey. He has worked in the NAHL, ACHL, EHL, AHL, CHL,WCHL, SPHL, ECHL & USHL. Rizzo started in 1974-75 with Mohawk Valley Comets and took his first pro job at 17, 

This season will be his 19th year  with the Thunder. He handles all equipment set up and repairs, sharpening skates, maintaining dressing rooms and attending to the needs of players and coaching staff. Returning to Wichita for my 19th season with the Thunder.

Dmitrii Jury

Dmitrii Jury

Assistant Equipment Manager

Dmitrii is entering his sixth season, fifth as full-time assistant. He is responsible for setting benches, setting up and tear down of the visitors and officials room as well as handling the needs of officials and visiting players and staff.

Dmitrii is Frank Jury's son and loves working with his father. In his free time, he loves watching NHL hockey, playing video games and spending time with his mom, Kim. 

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