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| Winnipeg Thunder | |
|---|---|
| Leagues | World Basketball League (1992) North American Basketball Association (1992 Playoff series) National Basketball League (1993–1994) |
| Founded | 1992 |
| History | Winnipeg Thunder 1992–1994 |
| Arena | Winnipeg Arena |
| Capacity | 12,393 |
| Location | Winnipeg, Manitoba |
| Team colours | Black, teal, white, silver |
| General manager | Sam Katz |
| Head coach | Tom Nissalke |
| Ownership | Sam Katz (Majority)John Loewen, Vic Pruden,Hersh Wolch,David Asper (Minority) |
| Championships | 0 |
| Division titles | 0 |
TheWinnipeg Thunder was a professional basketball franchise based inWinnipeg,Manitoba, from 1992 to 1994. The Thunder played its inaugural season in theWorld Basketball League, which folded before the schedule ended. The club then joined the nascentNational Basketball League, where it played for the 1993 and 1994 seasons.[1]
The Thunder enjoyed considerable public and corporate support at the outset, which later dwindled due in part to league instability and increased competition in the local minor-league sports market, following the establishment of theWinnipeg Goldeyesbaseball club. The club's financial backers includedSam Katz,John Loewen, Vic Pruden, Hersh Wolch andDavid Asper.[2]
The Thunder played its home games at theWinnipeg Arena. It would eventually be succeeded by theWinnipeg Cyclone, which represented the city in theInternational Basketball Association from 1995 to 2001.
It was announced by theWorld Basketball League on January 22, 1992 that Winnipeg was granted an expansion franchise in the league, and that the team name would be picked through a “Name-the-team” contest in the Winnipeg Free Press.[3]
On February 14, 1992 team ownership unveiled the team name will be the Winnipeg Thunder after over 8,000 entries were submitted for the name-the-team contest.[4]
The team namedTom Nissalke as the first head coach in franchise history on February 28, 1992.[5]
The Thunder lost their first game in franchise history, May 1, 1992 on the road 127–103 to theFlorida Jades.[6]
The team played their first home game on May 11, 1992 at the Winnipeg Arena before a World Basketball League record breaking 11,052 fans, unfortunately the Thunder lost 101–84 to the defending championDayton Wings.[7]
On May 15, 1992 after going 0–6 to start the season the Thunder won their first game in franchise history at home 127–103 over their Provincial rivals theSaskatchewan storm in front of 4,641 fans.[8]
The Thunder's mascots were Kaboom and Baby Boom.[7]
Cheerleaders
The team had a cheer team called the High Voltage Dance Team.[7]
Head Coaches
WBL
| Season[10] | GP | W | L | Pct. | GBL | Finish | Playoffs |
| 1992 | 37 | 15 | 22 | .405 | 13 | 6th WBL | No playoffs due to league disbanding on August 1, 1992 |
| Totals | 37 | 15 | 22 | .405 | – | – | – |
NBL
| Season[11] | GP | W | L | Pct. | GBL | Finish | Playoffs |
| 1993 | 46 | 29 | 17 | .630 | 1 | 2nd NBL | Lost 3-2 in the NBL Semifinals to theSaskatoon Slam |
| 1994 | 25 | 10 | 15 | .400 | 7 | 6th NBL | League disbanded mid season July 9, 1994 |
| Totals | 71 | 39 | 32 | .549 | – | – | Playoff record 2–3 |
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