The Wichita Thunder hockey team has fired head coach Mark French and named former player Rob Weingartner to lead the team.

This was French's third season with the Thunder. So far this season, the Thunder has a record of 4 wins and 13 losses, its worst record ever.

Meanwhile, Weingartner played for the Thunder from 1992-1996. He was a member of two Thunder championship teams.

"Rob helped begin a tradition of winning ways in Wichita through his presence on both Thunder championship teams," says GM Chris Presson. "We hope that mentality trancends to his coaching style and lends itself nicely to winning games."

Weingartner is the ninth head coach in Thunder history and the third to take over in the middle of a season. He lives in Goddard with his wife and three children.

French compiled a record of 70 wins, 59 losses and 16 ties during his tenure.