Thunder Bring Back Veteran Wight, add Former Laredo D-Man
 
Wichita, KS (July 20th) –  The Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League turned their atttention to the blue line on Friday, re-signing defenseman Travis Wight and adding defenseman Dave Inman to their roster for the upcoming 2012-13 season.
 
Wight is entering his seventh pro season and third in a Thunder uniform. The Fannystelle, MB native was an ironman last year as he played in all 66 regular season games and an additional 16 in the team's post-season run. Overall, Wight has appeared in 332 games as a professional, accumulating six goals, 57 assists and 168 PIM.
 
"I am very anxious to start my third season with the Thunder," commented Wight. "It was unfortunate we were not able to bring a championship back to Wichita last season, but with our core group of returning players and new faces I believe we will have the experience and drive needed to accomplish that goal. I look forward to seeing our great fan base and being a part of the Wichita community."
 
Wight spent the first three seasons of his professional career with the ECHL's Idaho Steelheads under former Thunder Head Coach Derek Laxdal. He played in 70 games as a rookie for Idaho in 2006-07 and was +27, helping the Steelheads to the Kelly Cup Championship. His +27 rating was best among ECHL rookies and fifth overall.
 
The Thunder also announced the addition of defenseman Dave Inman, who spent last season playing for the Laredo Bucks of the CHL. Inman, 6-foot 200-pounder, hails from San Deigo, CA . Last year, he finished fourth in the CHL in goals scored by a defenseman with 13 and also tallied 14 assists.
 
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to play in Wichita this upcoming season," said Inman. "Since I have family in the area, I already know what a great city it is and I'm looking forward to playing in front of some of the best fans in the country. I'm very excited to build upon the success of last season's team and compete for a championship."
 
A graduate of Yale University, Inman is set to begin his fourth season as a professional. He began his career in 2009-10 with ESC Moskitos Essen of the Germany4 League, tallying 17 goals, 16 assists and 33 points in just 19 games. Returning to the states, he split time in 2010-11 with the Brooklyn Aviators of the FHL, Elmira Jackals of the ECHL and finished the season playing in 22 games in Laredo. Prior to beginning his collegiate career, Inman spent two seasons with the U.S. National U-18 Team. He then moved on to play four seasons with the Yale University Bulldogs as a defensive standout.
 
"Having both these guys on our roster will bolster our blue line," commented Head Coach Kevin McClelland. "Travis brings a calming presence and tremendous leadership to our dressing room and I am very excited to have him back for a third season. Dave is a solid defenseman who can also add some scoring depth back there. He has improved each year as a pro and I am glad to have him coming in for us."
 
Inman is returning to familiar territory. He has family in the area living in Udall and Wichita as well as the Kansas City area. Inman and Wight give the Thunder five players signed for the 2012-13 season.