The Wichita Thunder have named franchise legend Travis Clayton as the team’s next head coach.
Clayton becomes the 15th head coach in franchise history after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the ECHL club, which is affiliated with the San Jose Sharks and San Jose Barracuda.
“Wichita has always been home,” Clayton said in a statement released by the team. “My wife is from here, I spent 11 seasons playing for the Thunder, and it’s where we started our family.”
Clayton takes over following the departure of former head coach Bruce Ramsay, who parted ways with the organization after seven seasons behind the bench.
Thunder General Manager Joel Lomurno said Clayton earned the opportunity after putting in long hours learning the coaching side of the game.
Before joining the Thunder coaching staff, Clayton coached at several junior hockey stops in both the United States and Canada.
Clayton remains one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. During his 11 seasons in Wichita, he finished near the top of nearly every major offensive category, including ranking second in goals, assists, points and games played. His No. 38 jersey is one of only five retired by the organization.
Some big hockey news in downtown Wichita this afternoon. The @Wichita_Thunder officially announce Travis Clayton as their newest head coach.
Clayton is one of the most decorated players in Thunder history after playing 11 years in Wichita from 1997-2008. @KWCH12 pic.twitter.com/eI5a9eqstx
— Tejay Cleland (@KWCHTejay) May 12, 2026
