Americans Comeback on Thunder
Published on January 18, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
The Thunder lost 4-2 to the Allen Americans at the Allen Event Center on Saturday in their only game last week. Wichita had leads of 1-0 and 2-1, but Allen scored three unanswered goals to steal the win. Both of Wichita's goals came on the power play, snapping a nine-game drought on the man advantage. It was also the first time since November 21st that the Thunder had multiple power play goals in one game. Ian Keserich played well in goal, saving 40 of 43 shots.
Keserich Owning the Crease
Ian Keserich has started five consecutive games since being acquired in a trade with Mississippi in late December. The Parma, OH native's 0-5-0 record belies how good he has been for Wichita. In five games, Keserich has stopped 176 of 190 shots for a terrific.926 save percentage. The 24-year old has allowed three or fewer goals in all five of his starts, and has already had two games of 40 or more saves. Keserich is less than two games shy of qualifying for the CHL league leaders in which his current.925 save percentage and 2.69 goals against average would rank first and seventh respectively.
Makway Among League's Best
Defenseman Steve Makway, who was acquired in the December trade that also brought in Ian Keserich, has three points in five games with the Thunder. Makway is fifth in the league in points among defensemen with 27, while his 22 assists rank second.
Reese Notches Point in Debut
Rookie center Jason Reese made his Thunder debut on Saturday at Allen, assisting on Brad Thompson's power play goal in the second period. Reese was acquired last week in exchange for Marc Belanger.
Thunder Ready for New Home
The Thunder opens the INTRUST Bank Arena on Saturday night when they host the Tulsa Oilers at 7:05 p.m. Wichita closed out the Kansas Coliseum two Saturdays ago in a tough 3-1 loss to the Odessa Jackalopes. The Thunder has a total of 13 games scheduled at their new home, with the last set for Sunday, March 14th versus Missouri.
Close Calls
The Thunder has lost their last seven games by three goals or less. Additionally, the opposition has scored an empty net goal against the Thunder in four consecutive games and five total times during the seven-game stretch.
Injury Update
Brad Thompson returned from the 14-Day IR on Saturday at Allen, scoring a goal. Kyle Bruce was placed on the Season-Ending IR last week with a knee injury.
Up Next
The Thunder plays three games in three nights this week, beginning with a road match against the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs on Thursday. Wichita looks to snap a 12-game regular season losing streak to the Bugs that dates back to December 16, 2006. Wichita heads to the BOK Center on Friday to face the Tulsa. The Thunder and Oilers both head to Wichita the following night to open the INTRUST Bank Arena. For tickets to Saturday's inaugural game, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
Central Hockey League Stories from January 18, 2010
- Shots From The Point - CHL
- Mavericks Weekly - Kansas City Mavericks
- Rush Pet Calendars Available For Sale - Rapid City Rush
- Danny Battochio Named Oakley CHL Goaltender Of The Week - Rapid City Rush
- Eagles Waive Rookie Forward Foster - Colorado Eagles
- Texas' Elias Godoy and Rapid City's Danny Battochio Win Weekly Awards - CHL
- Colorado Eagles Week In Review - Colorado Eagles
- Sundogs Fall To Expansion Americans, 4-2 - Arizona Sundogs
- RiverKings Weekly Update - Mississippi RiverKings
- Mudbugs Weekly - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Getting Busy Again - Tulsa Oilers
- Americans Comeback on Thunder - Wichita Thunder
- Allen Americans Weekly Notes - Allen Americans
- Jackalopes Weekly Update - Odessa Jackalopes
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