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The big question on any area hockey fan’s mind might be what they can expect from their brand new Central Hockey League team.
The man with the answer is longtime Wichita Thunder general manager Joel Lomurno.
“Fans will experience a very high caliber of hockey,” said Lomurno, who has been a part of the Thunder’s front office for 17 of the 18 years the team has been in existence.
“I think the CHL is very underrated. I’ve seen the talent in the league get better and better each year, and you’re going to have a very competitive first-year team in (Independence) because (team president) Bob Lund is the best in the business.
“You’re getting a man who has won every award you win in the CHL running your team, and you’re getting our former assistant general manager, Joe Greene. I’ve worked with Joe and know his work ethic and dedication firsthand, and everyone in the league knows what a great individual Bob Lund is.
“Your hockey team is going to be in very capable hands.”
When asked if the two teams might become rivals, Lomurno chuckled.
“Absolutely,” Lomurno said. “I can guarantee you, we’ll probably be the first team the Independence team plays and we’ll have 100 or 200 screaming fans down at your arena. There’s a real love affair with this team in Wichita, and our fans travel well.”
Lomurno said it will not take long for the city to adopt its first professional team. And judging by the standing-room-only crowd that welcomed the announcement of the new team Thursday afternoon at Ophelia’s on The Independence Square, the hockey veteran is right.
“It won’t take long at all for the city to fall in love with the team, because the team will become a part of the city,” Lomurno said. “On weekends, we attract 6,000 to 10,000 fans. You’re going to have a young team that the fans are going to love to watch play. Guys from college and the Junior Hockey League in Canada will fill most of the roster spots.
“They’re going to be hungry and they are going to do everything they can to win over the fans.
“I can promise you, in a very short period of time, you’re going to have one of the most successful franchises in the league.”
The big question on any area hockey fan’s mind might be what they can expect from their brand new Central Hockey League team.
The man with the answer is longtime Wichita Thunder general manager Joel Lomurno.
“Fans will experience a very high caliber of hockey,” said Lomurno, who has been a part of the Thunder’s front office for 17 of the 18 years the team has been in existence.
“I think the CHL is very underrated. I’ve seen the talent in the league get better and better each year, and you’re going to have a very competitive first-year team in (Independence) because (team president) Bob Lund is the best in the business.
“You’re getting a man who has won every award you win in the CHL running your team, and you’re getting our former assistant general manager, Joe Greene. I’ve worked with Joe and know his work ethic and dedication firsthand, and everyone in the league knows what a great individual Bob Lund is.
“Your hockey team is going to be in very capable hands.”
When asked if the two teams might become rivals, Lomurno chuckled.
“Absolutely,” Lomurno said. “I can guarantee you, we’ll probably be the first team the Independence team plays and we’ll have 100 or 200 screaming fans down at your arena. There’s a real love affair with this team in Wichita, and our fans travel well.”
Lomurno said it will not take long for the city to adopt its first professional team. And judging by the standing-room-only crowd that welcomed the announcement of the new team Thursday afternoon at Ophelia’s on The Independence Square, the hockey veteran is right.
“It won’t take long at all for the city to fall in love with the team, because the team will become a part of the city,” Lomurno said. “On weekends, we attract 6,000 to 10,000 fans. You’re going to have a young team that the fans are going to love to watch play. Guys from college and the Junior Hockey League in Canada will fill most of the roster spots.
“They’re going to be hungry and they are going to do everything they can to win over the fans.
“I can promise you, in a very short period of time, you’re going to have one of the most successful franchises in the league.”
