Bennefield, Thunder Top Kings
Published on February 18, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder beat the Mississippi RiverKings 5-2 at the INTRUST Bank Arena on Friday night.
Jesse Bennefield led the offense with Wichita's fifth hat trick of the season, helping the Thunder beat the RiverKings for the first time in four tries this year.
A.J. Gale capped off a defensive-minded first period with a goal at the 19:24 mark. Aaron Davis led a three-on-one rush down the left side before making a centering pass to Gale. Gale's one-timer went through the five-hole of RiverKings' goaltender Larry Sterling, hit the left post, and then bounced off the back of Sterling's pad and into the net.
Bennefield increased Wichita's lead to 2-0 at 2:02 in the second, deflecting Mike Looby's shot from the high slot over Sterling's left shoulder. The Thunder scored in the final minute of play for a second straight period when Troy Schwab lifted a backhander from the right faceoff circle past Sterling's right with 27 seconds left on the clock.
After Matt Summers scored from close range at 1:38 in the third to get Mississippi on the board, Bennefield punched in Gale's backdoor pass along the crease just 1:40 later. Bennefield potted his third of the night at 8:30, connecting on a breakaway setup by a headlong pass from Schwab. Patrik Levesque cut the lead to 5-2 with a goal at 10:41, but Wichita kept the RiverKings scoreless for the rest of the night.
Marc-Antoine Gelinas stopped 19 of 21 for the win. Sterling saved 31 of 36 in the loss. Wichita was 0 for 5 on the power play. Mississippi was 0 for 7.
The Thunder hosts the Tulsa Oilers Saturday night at 7:35 p.m. Prior to the game, the Thunder plays its inaugural alumni game at 5:30 p.m. For tickets, call the arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or visit the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com
Central Hockey League Stories from February 18, 2011
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- Brahmas Win Fourth Straight 5-1 - Fort Worth Brahmas
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- Allen Salvages 1-point In 3-2 OT Loss To 'Bugs - Allen Americans
- Mavs Stumble Against Rush, Lose 3-1 - Kansas City Mavericks
- Giosa, Mallards Come from Behind for Overtime Win - Quad City Mallards
- PrairieThunder Loses in Overtime - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- Another Two-Game RiverKings' Win Streak Halted - Mississippi RiverKings
- Gems rocked by Fort Wayne in 6-3 loss - Dayton Gems
- Bennefield, Thunder Top Kings - Wichita Thunder
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