Duda’s Number 11 Retired in Wichita

WICHITA, Kansas – As the lights went down inside the Intrust Bank Arena Saturday night, the video board came to life with highlights honoring long-time Wichita Thunder player and current assistant coach Jason Duda.
After officially announcing his retirement on April 26, the Thunder organization wasted no time hanging Duda’s number 11 in the rafters before their home opener against the Tulsa Oilers.

While most jersey retirements come years after players hang up the skates, the timing of this one was perfect. After all, Duda holds franchise records for goals (337), assists (533), points (870), consecutive games played (225), and total games played (730). He is also ranked third or better in all four major offensive categories in CHL history. “I didn’t think this was gonna be that tough,” Duda told the crowd of 7,110 while standing at center ice with his wife Deah and their two young children. Duda took a few moments to collect his thoughts before continuing. “I came here as a 21 year-old kid, and I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve been able to make Wichita my home, I met my wife, who gave me two great kids,” he said. “The organization has been great to me.” Duda began his 14-year playing career with the Thunder after being traded from the Oklahoma City Blazers on December 19, 1996. Three short months later the then-rookie netted a game-winning goal 39 seconds into overtime to end the Blazers’ season. “Despite eight points in his first 15 professional games, long-time Blazers coach Doug Sauter infamously said Duda could not play in the CHL,” touted the video tribute prior to Duda’s brief speech. “Thunder history changed forever on December 19, 1996 when Wichita acquired Duda from Sauter,” it continued. “Any time you have someone that played as long as he did and in one place and all the accomplishments he had on the ice, it’s great,” Thunder Head Coach Kevin McClelland said. “It’s nice that he stayed in the community and he’s still involved in the Thunder organization, it’s a great gesture by the organization,” he added. “The people of Wichita in the stands tonight,” Duda continued during the ceremony, “I consider you my friends and I thank you for everything over the last 14 years. I came to the rink everyday and hear the cheers, and even every once and a while boos,” he said with a laugh, “It was great.” After such a storied career with the Thunder, it was no surprise that during the press conference announcing his retirement it was also announced that he would become assistant coach to the recently hired McClelland. Duda got a taste of coaching after taking over the reigns on November 12, 2009 when the Thunder fired Brent Bilodeau after a 2-7 start to the season. He was only able to play five games prior to making the move, due to a back injury. Duda will now get valuable experience while serving alongside McClelland who has a CHL coaching record of 187-109-26. McClelland also earned four NHL championship rings during his playing days with the Edmonton Oilers. Not a bad person to learn from. What does Duda bring to the table as an assistant coach? According to McClelland, the two are on the same page when it comes to getting the Thunder back on top of the CHL. “We’ve got good camaraderie and we’re having fun,” McClelland said. “We’re gonna ride the roller coaster ride here, but we’re gonna try to stay in the middle.” “There’s gonna be a lot of peaks and valleys in a hockey season. Right now we’re in one of those valleys,” he said of the team’s 0-2 start, “but we’ll get back up to one of those peaks real soon.” As the season continues full-steam ahead, McClelland, Duda and the Thunder will surely get things going and take the first step towards making the team a winner again. For one night though, it was about more than the new season. It was about the 21 year-old rookie that has grown into a husband, father, coach and one of the most well-respected sports figures in Wichita. “To the organization, I thank you for allowing me to play here for 14 years and still being a part of this great organization and this community,” Duda said. “I’m very happy to call Wichita my home. Contact the author at john.hall@prohockeynews.com