Thunder Returns Top Rookie

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder made three more additions to its 2009-10 roster, resigning forward Joel Hanson and signing goaltender Scott Campbell and forward Shane Heffernan.

2009 CHL Off-Season Transactions

Hanson was the Thunder's Rookie of the Year in 2009, scoring 14 goals and 33 points in 39 games.  Hanson opened last year in the ECHL with the Augusta Lynx, and was signed by the Thunder in early December after Augusta closed operations.  Hanson's season was cut short due to a wrist injury and was placed on the season-ending IR on March 13th.  The native of Elk River, MN played four seasons of college hockey at the University of Minnesota-Mankato where he scored 80 points in 148 games and was a teammate of Thunder center Brad Thompson.

Campbell, a true rookie, finished his college career last Winter at Lake Forest College.  Despite a record of 13-42-3, Campbell posted a career .913 save percentage that ranks third in Forrester's history.  The Bloomfield, Ontario native is also the school's all-time leader with 2,234 saves.  In 2008, Campbell earned Lake Forest's Team MVP award and was also an All-NCHA First Team selection.

Heffernan split time in the AAHA last season, playing for the Chi Town Shooters and the Evansville IceMen.  The Kitchener, Ontario native scored 34 goals and 91 points in just 38 games.  Heffernan finished his junior career in 2006-07, playing for the OPJHL's Ajax Attack.

The three signings give the Thunder 21 players under contract for the 2009-10 season.  Training camp begins on Monday, October 5th and is open to the public at the Wichita Ice Center.