Travis Clayton has been appointed as the Wichita Thunder's new head coach after serving as the assistant coach for two years. He is a former player who excelled in various offensive categories during his 11 seasons with the team.
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Former Wichita Thunder star named teamâs newest head coach
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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) â The Wichita Thunder named Travis Clayton as its 15th head coach on Tuesday, following his second year as the teamâs assistant coach.
Clayton played 11 seasons with the Thunder, nearing the top of every offensive category, including first in shorthand goals, first in game-winning goals, and first in plus/minus.
He became one of only five players in the franchiseâs history to have their numbers retired, joining Ron Hady, Bobby Desjardin, Rob Weingartner, and Jason Duda.
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Following his stint with the Thunder, Clayton finished his career, playing two seasons with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, and winning his first Presidentâs Cup Trophy during the 2010-11 season.
âWichita has always been home. My wife is from here, I spent 11 seasons playing for the Thunder, and itâs where we started our family,â Clayton said in a press release. âTo have my first professional coaching opportunity in the ECHL right here is a true full-circle moment. Iâm incredibly grateful to Joel and the Steven Brothers for their trust, and I canât wait to get to work building a championship team for this community.â
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Clayton began his coaching career with the Western States Hockey Leagueâs Dallas Snipers in 2012-13. He led the Lloydminster Bobcats U18 AAA for three seasons and coached the Alberta Junior Hockey Leagueâs Whitecourt Wolverines during the 2021-22 season.
âIâm very excited to give Travis this opportunity to take the Thunder to a higher level,â Thunder General Manager Joel T. Lomurno said in a press release. âTravis was a hard-working player who never took a shift off. The last two years, he has put in long hours to learn the business and prepare for the next step in his career.  Travis and I are on the same page about what we want to see out of the Thunder on the ice next season, and we cannot wait to get started and come out of the gates hard in October.â
Season tickets are now on sale for the 2026-27 season. For more information, visit the Wichita Thunder .
Travis Clayton has been named the new head coach of the Wichita Thunder.
Travis Clayton ranks first in shorthand goals, game-winning goals, and plus/minus for the Wichita Thunder.
Travis Clayton served as the assistant coach for two years before being promoted to head coach.

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