Wichita Thunder Win Bud Poile Governors’ Cup
GLENDALE, AZ (March 20, 2012) – The Wichita Thunder have won the Bud Poile Governors’ Cup as the Central Hockey League’s 2011-12 regular season points champion.
The Thunder (44-16-3, 91 points) earn the Governors’ Cup along with the Berry Conference regular season title thanks to their 6-5 win at Texas against the Brahmas on Tuesday night. It marks the third time the Thunder franchise has won the regular season crown, both previous times (1993-94 & 1994-95) they also captured the league playoff championship as well.
CHL Standings
In their 20th anniversary season, Wichita earns home-ice advantage for as long as they are in the Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup Playoffs and in the meantime qualify for the playoffs for the second straight season and for the 12th time in franchise history.
The Governor’s Cup carries the name of Norman Robert ‘Bud’ Poile who served the hockey world as a player, coach, general manager and league executive. Prior to his retirement in 1989, the late Bud Poile served as the President of the Central Hockey League and the Commissioner of the International Hockey League.
Previous Regular Season Champions
2011-12 Wichita Thunder
2010-11 Allen Americans
2009-10 Odessa Jackalopes
2008-09 Colorado Eagles
2007-08 Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
2006-07 Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
2005-06 Colorado Eagles
2004-05 Colorado Eagles
2003-04 Laredo Bucks
2002-03 Austin Ice Bats
2001-02 Odessa Jackalopes
2000-01 Oklahoma City Blazers
1999-2000 Fayetteville Force
1998-99 Oklahoma City Blazers
1997-98 Columbus Cottonmouths
1996-97 Oklahoma City Blazers
1995-96 Oklahoma City Blazers
1994-95 Wichita Thunder
1993-94 Wichita Thunder
1992-93 Oklahoma City Blazers