Wichita names Cameron as head coach

Wichita, Kan. - The Wichita Thunder announced that the team has hired Malcolm Cameron as the team's new head coach.Cameron, 46, was introduced at a press conference earlier this afternoon. He returns to the pro ranks after spending three seasons with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. The Cole Harbor, Nova Scotia native boasts an impressive coaching resume. Cameron spent eight seasons as a head coach in the ECHL with Cincinnati, Long Beach, Texas, Florida and Elmira. His teams reached 40 or more wins in four of those eight seasons and qualified for the playoffs seven times. All seven times his teams advanced past the first round. Other highlights of his ECHL tenure include three All-Star game appearances and a runner-up for Coach of the Year three times."I am very excited and proud to be joining the Wichita Thunder organization for their 25th anniversary season," commented Cameron. "I have fond memories of playing against the Thunder many years ago and the passionate fan base that created such a hostile environment. My family and I are excited about the move to Wichita and the work has just begun on building a fast, fun and hardworking team that we can all be proud of."Malcolm led two ECHL teams to significant turnarounds, which rank seventh and eighth-best for improving a team from one year to the next in ECHL history. Cameron took over as the bench boss of the Texas Wildcatters in 2006-07 and led them to a 41-22-9 record and 46-point improvement. In 2004-05, he took over as head coach for the Long Beach Ice Dogs and guided them to a 43-20-9 record and a 44-point improvement. In 2007-08, he set an ECHL record for fewest regulation losses in a season, going 52-9-11 and recorded 115 points, which is tied for second-most in league history. "I would like to thank Rodney & Brandon Steven as well as GM Joel Lomurno for their interest in me and the opportunity to work for their organization."After leaving Elmira in 2010-11, Cameron joined Regina as an assistant coach for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. He was promoted to head coach the following year, winning the WHL's East Division regular season title with a record of 39-26-4-3. Cameron returns to the ECHL looking to improve on his outstanding numbers all-time. He is tied for eighth in wins (317), 10th in games coached in league history (555), 12th in playoff wins (34), and ninth in playoff games coached (68)."We are thrilled to have Malcolm on board," stated Rodney Steven II, owner of the Thunder. "He has a proven track record of success in the ECHL, wins everywhere he goes and is a relentless recruiter. During this process we spoke to several NHL, AHL and ECHL executives as well as some of his former players who had nothing but great things to say about his coaching ability and work ethic. We are confident he will build a solid team on the ice and will be an asset to the Wichita community."After a five-year playing career, Cameron joined the coaching ranks as an assistant with the Lubbock Cotton Kings of the WPHL. Thunder fans may recognize him from his time with the Fort Worth Fire and the Nashville Nighthawks of the CHL. Cameron and his wife, Heather, have two sons, Brett and Logan.