For one night, the club will be known as the Plainsmen, the runner-up in the team's naming contest in 1992.
Prior to the 1992-93 season, fans of the Wichita professional hockey franchise were given a chance to name the team.
Thunder received the most votes, with Plainsmen the runner-up.
On Thursday, the affiliate of the NHL's San Jose Sharks and AHL's San Jose Barracuda announced that the team will be changing its name to the Plainsmen on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, for #ILOVEWICHITA Night, presented by Davis-Moore, Augusta Flight Center, Hajoca, Big Fish Bail Bonds and US Mortgage.
The Plainsmen represents a person who lives in the Great Plains region of North America. Since Kansas is a leader in agriculture with a variety of crops, livestock and is known as America's breadbasket, the Plainsmen name perfectly suits the occasion.
There are many things to love about Wichita, from the more than 125 parks to golf courses, popular rock-climbing gym and of course, the hockey team.
The Thunder has captured two league titles dating back to their time in the CHL, including back-to-back President’s Cup championships in 1993-94 and 1994-95.
Last season’s #ILOVEWICHITA Night took place on Jan. 5, with the Allen Americans coming away with a 4-1 victory. This year, the “Plainsmen” hope for a different result when they host the Iowa Heartlanders at Intrust Bank Arena. Puck drop for the Jan. 4 game is scheduled for 6:05 Pm CT.
The club has been on holiday break but will return to action Friday night for the first of two against Idaho.