WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, AHL’s San Jose Barracuda and powered by Toyota, are excited to announce that Assistant Coach John Gurskis has accepted the Head Coaching position with the SPHL’s Knoxville Ice Bears.

Gurskis just completed his fifth season as an assistant coach for the Thunder. A native of Brockton, Massachusetts, he came on board as the team’s assistant in 2019-20 when Bruce Ramsay was hired as the Head Coach of the Thunder. Gurskis helped lead one of the best power play units over the last two seasons, finishing in the top 10 both years. This will be his first head coaching position.

“I want to congratulate John on a well-deserved promotion as a head coach,” commented Head Coach Bruce Ramsay. “I can’t say enough about John as a person and a hockey mind. He works extremely hard and knows how to connect with players. I’m very happy for him and I know he will do a great job in Knoxville.”

He returns to the SPHL, where he played and served as a Player/Assistant Coach for four seasons with the Macon Trax, Florida Seals, Pee Dee Cyclones and Twin City Cyclones.

“John invested a lot of years with the Thunder as a player and coach and we’re happy for him,” stated General Manager Joel Lomurno. “He works hard, is loved by his players and teammates and will excel at this new opportunity!”

Gurskis played for the Thunder for two seasons and was a teammate of Ramsay during the 2000-01 campaign.

The 2024-25 schedule is now available. Start planning now as we get ready for our 33rd year in the Air Capital. Click HERE to learn more about the schedule and who we play.

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