Tim Boron back to re-establish winning ways with Wichita Thunder

During two seasons with the Wichita Thunder earlier in his career, Tim Boron was just Tim Boron.

In four years with Rapid City, Boron became The Enchanter.

The moniker comes from the Monty Python character Tim the Enchanter, but it’s not just a nickname of convenience. Boron mesmerized with his play between the pipes in Rapid City, turning himself from a spare part into a valuable goaltender.

He returns to Wichita this season after a 2013-14 that saw Boron establish career bests of 49 games and 30 wins, and lead the Central Hockey League with a 2.45 goals-against average.

After Friday’s reassignment of potential competitor Tyler Bunz, the 31-year-old Boron is the unquestioned anchor of the Thunder’s defense as Wichita begins its first season in the ECHL Saturday against Allen at Intrust Bank Arena.

“I enjoyed my time here, but I really enjoyed my four years in Rapid City, as well,” Boron said. “When things weren’t working out in the right direction in Rapid City this summer, Wichita was definitely one of my first choices, to come here and play for the Thunder and play for coach (Kevin) McClelland.”

Boron’s transformation into one of the CHL’s top goalies was slow building, but it might have happened sooner if he had been healthy and planted as a starter. Before 2011-12 with Rapid City, Boron had never played more than 31 games in a season, and he played fewer than 20 three times.

Two of those seasons were with the Thunder, when Boron couldn’t break through on bad teams, mostly because of hip injuries that derailed the earlier portion of his career. After Wichita, he played 15 games for Mississippi and 14 in his first season with Rapid City, posting unremarkable numbers.

Finally healthy in 2011-12, Boron played 41 games and had 24 wins with a 2.44 GAA. He’s followed that up with two similar seasons and comes back to Wichita as one of the Thunder’s most valued offseason pickups.

“After my two hip surgeries, things really took off and I felt really good after having those done,” Boron said. “I got comfortable there in Rapid City and worked hard, and started getting some good playing time, and things started to snowball there. The last three years went really well, and I kept getting more playing time and more recognition.”

Boron was eager to prove himself as the Thunder’s best option at goaltender, but now he may not have to. Bunz had been assigned to Wichita by the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL, but he was promoted to Oklahoma City of the Triple-A American Hockey League on Friday afternoon.

Boron and Bunz were slated to share time, at least early in the season, with Boron starting Saturday’s opener and Bunz playing Sunday on the road.

Even though that’s out of play, the situation could reoccur if an NHL team sends another goalie to Wichita with the understanding that he will play regularly. That wasn’t as much of an issue in the CHL, but the ECHL is more prospect-heavy and youth-oriented.

“We were obviously both here to play games, but at the same time I feel like no matter who you’re playing with or for, you have to earn your ice time,” Boron said. “Whether he’s here or not, I’m still playing for my job and to help the team win and earn my ice time, and not just be given it.”

Boron’s improved physical health has been accompanied by an improved mental approach to his position, which will remain important as he advances deeper into his 30s.

A little showmanship doesn’t hurt, either. Boron’s Twitter handle is @TheEnchanter31, the nickname is saddled upon his helmet, and he’s pushing for the Monty Python clip that was shown when he made a standout play in Rapid City to accompany him to Wichita.

It took him six years as a professional to become indispensable enough to earn a nickname, and Boron isn’t ready to let the name, or the changed reputation that enabled it, fade away.

“It’s fun to get into as many games as you can and get on a roll, to know that you’re the guy and you’re back there to help the team win games,” Boron said. “You have confidence in your team and the team has confidence in you. You can get on a roll like that and get comfortable, and things just kind of take off from there.”

This story was originally published October 24, 2014 at 5:02 PM with the headline "Tim Boron back to re-establish winning ways with Wichita Thunder."