Brent Bilodeau Looks to Change the Culture in Wichita
The Wichita Thunder are coming off a forgettable 2007-08 season that saw them post a 20-42-2 record. The Thunder struggled from the on-set and eventually made a mid-season coaching change.
The Thunder will look quite a bit different on the ice this season with only half of the inseparable duo of Jason Duda and Travis Clayton will be in a Wichita uniform and that would be Duda (Clayton signed with Bossier-Shreveport). Also moving on is defenseman Daniel Tetrault and forwards Kyle Bruce and Bruce Richardson.
Wichita’s new General Manager Joel T. Lomurno was diligent in looking for the next man to stand behind the Thunder bench and after much deliberation he decided on ECHL assistant coach Brent Bilodeau. He played more than 10 years in the pro ranks and had been an assistant with the Las Vegas Wranglers for three years.
The Thunder brought back several of the hard-working players from last season that despite the team’s record gave 100% every game. Those players being Brad Thompson, Stan Yanchishyn and Mike Batovanja .
They also brought back Scott Rozendal who scored 20 goals with the team during the 2006-07 season.
Bilodeau has made several changes on the team in recent days that has strengthened the defense corp. in goaltender Dan McWhinney and All-Star D-man Jason Tessier.
The Thunder have no were to go but up and with the new attitude Bilodeau has brought into the locker room, they are on their way.