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Ottawa Senators Name Wichita Thunder New ECHL Affiliate

By Ian Smith

May 9, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Guy Boucher is introduced as the new head coach of the Ottawa Senators at a press conference at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Guy Boucher is introduced as the new head coach of the Ottawa Senators at a press conference at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Wichita Thunder have been officially announced as the new ECHL affiliate to the Ottawa Senators.

This is going to be the first ever NHL affiliation for the Thunder, who have operated independently since their inception in 1992.

They originally played in the CHL from 1992 until 2014, but moved to the ECHL before the 2014-2015 season.

This is a great opportunity for the Thunder. They will have a crucial role in developing future NHL players, and the Senators will utilize players in their future who have been groomed through experiences wearing a Thunder jersey.

The team plays at Intrust Bank Arena, which is located in downtown Wichita. The town doesn’t feature any professional sports teams, so this affiliation with the NHL will make the Thunder instantly the hottest sports ticket in the area.

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The Wichita Wingnuts are an independent baseball team in town, but don’t have any MLB affiliation. Interestingly enough, they’re managed by Pete Rose, Jr., son of the all-time hits leader. That’s a unique draw, but the Thunder’s connection with the Senators might officially push the Thunder past the Wingnuts regarding regional supremacy.

Many changes are afoot with the Senators’ minor league hockey teams. The Binghamton Senators are rumored to be exploring a move to Belleville, Ontario as soon as the 2017-2018 season, but their lease wouldn’t be over at that point for another 3 years.

With the uncertainty of where their AHL team will be playing in the near future, the Senators can celebrate a new connection with Wichita.

As of now, the ECHL has affiliations with all NHL teams for next season except the Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, and St. Louis Blues.

The only team in the ECHL without an NHL affiliate is the Colorado Eagles. They previously served as the affiliate for the Winnipeg Jets until the end of the 2012-2013 season, and then with the Calgary Flames during the 2014-2015 season.

Prior to this, had an affiliation with the Evansville IceMen of the ECHL, but the team has gone dormant for the 2016-2017 season while they relocate to Owensboro.

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Hopefully this is the beginning of a beneficial partnership between Ottawa and Wichita. Best of luck!

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