{WICHITA, Ks.} — The Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League are pleased to announce that the contract for Head Coach Kevin McClelland has been extended through the 2014-15 season.
In just his second season behind the Thunder bench, McClelland led Wichita to their first CHL Finals appearance in 14 seasons. He has orchestrated one of the league’s best turnarounds, going from just nine wins in 2009-10 to tying a franchise record this season with 44 victories and collecting his second Governor’s Cup of his career for the most points in the regular season.
“We are thrilled to be able to retain Kevin for three more years”, said Thunder owner Rodney Steven II. “Kevin has done great things for this franchise over the last two seasons and we look to build on that success as we strive to bring a CHL Championship back to Wichita.”
McClelland was named as the CHL Coach of the Year this past season, which is the second of his career. He earned the honor back in 2006-07 while guiding the Memphis RiverKings to a 39-19-6 record and a trip to the Northern Conference Finals. He became just the second coach in CHL history to win the distinguished award twice. McClelland was also named Best Coach in the annual Best-of-the-Best Poll, which is voted on by CHL players, coaches and operational staff from all 14 CHL teams.
