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Winnipeg Thunder

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Basketball team in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg Thunder
LeaguesWorld Basketball League (1992)
National Basketball League (1993–1994)
Founded1992
HistoryWinnipeg Thunder
1992–1994
ArenaWinnipeg Arena
Capacity12,393
LocationWinnipeg, Manitoba
Team coloursBlack, teal, white, silver
       
Head coachTom Nissalke
OwnershipSam Katz and John Loewen
Championships0
Division titles0

The Winnipeg Thunder was a professional basketball franchise based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from 1992 to 1994. The Thunder played its inaugural season in the World Basketball League, which folded before the schedule ended. The club then joined the nascent National Basketball League, where it played for the 1993 and 1994 seasons.

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 the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball club. The club's financial backers included Sam Katz and John Loewen.

The Thunder played its home games at the Winnipeg Arena. It would eventually be succeeded by the Winnipeg Cyclone, which represented the city in the International Basketball Association from 1995 to 2001.

History

The Winnipeg Thunder were founded in 1992 and Joined the World Basketball League. The team was owned By Sam Katz Who served as majority Owner/General Manager, John Loewen et al, serving as part of the minority ownership group.

The team hired Tom Nissalke as the first head coach in franchise history.

Team information

Mascots

The Thunder's mascots were Kaboom and Baby Boom.

Personnel

Assistant Coaches

  • Vic Pruden

Roster

Season by Season record

WBL

Season 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 GP W L Pct. GBL Finish Playoffs
1993 46 29 17 .630 1 2nd NBL Lost 3-2 in the NBL Semifinals to the Saskatoon 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

References

  1. NBL Statistics
  2. Sigurdson, Hal (March 13, 1992). "Thunder plans walk-on camp". Winnipeg Free Press. p. F67.
  3. "History of the World Basketball League". Association for Professional Basketball Research. Retrieved 2023-07-20.
  4. "National Basketball League (1993-1994)". Association for Professional Basketball Research. Retrieved 2023-07-20.


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