Wichita Thunder to have Adopt a Player program for 2024-25 ECHL season

A unique promotion by a minor league team will allow fans the opportunity to be closer to their favorite players than ever before.

On Friday, the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL introduced the “Adopt a Player” plan. Fans are allowed to bid on players to receive prizes and experiences throughout the season.

The winning bidders receive an autographed stick from the player, a puck, a picture of the player and the nameplate from the player’s locker.

Also, the fans will get a game-worn jersey and be recognized on the Thunder’s website. The players will also wear a specially designed patch on the jersey with the adopting fan’s name.

But wait, there’s more.

The family of the winning bidder will get a tour of INTRUST Bank Arena, along with meeting the player they “adopted.” According to a release, a private meet and greet between the fan and player is also a prize, along with a dinner between the player and the winner’s family. Other perks include being recognized on the video board during a Thunder home game, and the chance to give players gift bags when they leave for road trips.

There is a condition if an “adopted” player were to be traded. The incoming player will be the new “adopted” prospect.

The Thunder, the secondary affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, have a number of quality players for fans to bid on. Jay Dickman, Peter Bates, Dillon Boucher, Carter Jones and Ryan Finnegan are the currently listed players available in the silent auction.

The auction is ongoing, and will go through Aug. 16.