Wichita Wind

Wichita Wind

Company type	Minor league ice hockey franchise
Industry	Sports
Founded	1980
Defunct	1983
Fate	Relocated and rebranded as Montana Magic
Headquarters	Wichita , United States
Key people	Larry Gordon (owner, president, general manager)
Products	Ice hockey team

The Wichita Wind operated as a minor league ice hockey franchise located in Wichita, Kansas from 1980 through 1983. Throughout their tenure, they functioned as the developmental squad for the Edmonton Oilers during the 1980–81 and 1981–82 seasons, and later for the New Jersey Devils in 1982–83. The Wind competed in the Central Hockey League (CHL), hosting games at Britt Brown Arena within the Kansas Coliseum. Larry Gordon held the position of general manager (GM) for the entire duration of the team's existence.

In June 1980, Gordon—previously serving as GM for the Oilers—assumed ownership, presidency, and general management responsibilities of the Wind. The team’s name was chosen from a pool of 6,600 suggestions submitted during a naming contest, with their mascot representing an orange tornado. Veteran player Roy Sommer, who would later become head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, captained the squad throughout all three seasons.

Seasons

The Wind’s inaugural season was marred by numerous injuries. On December 27, 1980, due to roster shortages, coach Garnet Bailey took to the ice as a defenseman while a public relations staff member served as backup goaltender during a defeat against the Dallas Black Hawks. Bailey’s coaching approach was noted for its energetic and informal style. Despite concluding the season in sixth place with a 32-45-3 record, the team led the CHL in penalty minutes. In postseason play, they advanced by defeating the Indianapolis Checkers, followed by an upset over top-seeded Dallas before ultimately falling in a seven-game Adams Cup final series to defending champions, the Salt Lake Golden Eagles. Don Murdoch was named playoff MVP after setting a CHL record with 24 points across 18 games. Tragically, after this season, second-leading scorer Don Ashby lost his life in an automobile accident.

With John Muckler appointed as head coach for 1981–82, the Wind emphasized strong defensive checking but struggled offensively; only four players maintained an average exceeding one point per game. Following an altercation at a nightclub resulting in multiple fighting penalties during a game, Muckler and eight others spent a night incarcerated. The team topped the South division standings with a 44–33–3 record but were eliminated by Indianapolis after sweeping Nashville in the opening playoff round.

In August 1982, Muckler departed to join the Oilers’ coaching staff as an assistant and was succeeded by Andy Laing. For their final campaign, the Wind aligned with the New Jersey Devils as their parent organization. The team failed to qualify for postseason play for the first time, finishing with a 29–48–3 record and exiting playoff contention early.

Subsequent disputes over lease terms with Kansas Coliseum management—who sought a two-year agreement while Gordon preferred only one—combined with inadequate practice facilities prompted relocation of the franchise. Gordon indicated that attempts were made to maintain professional hockey in Wichita. Eventually, a preliminary arrangement was reached to move operations to Yellowstone METRA (currently known as Rimrock Auto Arena) in Billings, Montana, where the franchise was rebranded as the Montana Magic for the 1983-84 season.

Notable NHL/WHA alumni

This list includes former Wichita Wind players who appeared in at least 100 games both with Wichita and in either the National Hockey League or World Hockey Association:

External links

• Wichita Wind season statistics and records at The Internet Hockey Database