CHL Wichita Thunder

Boron Strong in Goal, Hanson on Board

December 8, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


Thunder Drop Two Against Bugs

Wichita suffered a pair of one-goal defeats at the hands of the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs last week. On Thursday, the Thunder lost 1-0 to the Bugs, with former Thunder forward Travis Clayton scoring the game's only goal, and former Thunder goaltender Jon Horrell stopping all 31 of Wichita's shots to earn the shutout victory. Clayton's goal came on the power play at 16:28 in the first period. The Thunder had an empty net in the final minute of the contest, but could not tie the game. Wichita played with just eight forwards and five defensemen. Thunder goalie Tim Boron saved 28 of 29 in the tough-luck loss. Wichita outshot the Mudbugs 31 to 29, but fell to 0-6-1 when outshooting their opponents.

After having Friday off, Wichita lost to Bossier 2-1 at the Kansas Coliseum on Saturday night. Again, it was the Bugs taking a 1-0 lead on a late first period power play goal. This time Brett Smith scored off the bottom of the crossbar at 16:17. Bugs' forward Tyrel Lucas scored another power play goal at 10:42 in the third period, giving Bossier a 2-0 advantage. Wichita finally got on the scoreboard, snapping a scoreless drought that lasted 134 minutes and 59 seconds, when Scott Rozendal tipped in a power play goal from Bryan Nathe's shot from the point at 16:52 in the third. For the second straight game, Wichita pulled Tim Boron in the closing minute, but could not find a way to tie the score. Boron took another tough loss, saving 34 of 36. Wichita managed just 18 shots, tying a season-low.

Thunder Sign Forward Hanson

Wichita has signed forward Joel Hanson, who will be available for Tuesday's game at Oklahoma City. A 25-year old native of Elk River, MN, Hanson scored eight points in 18 games this season with the ECHL's Augusta Lynx, who closed operations last week. Hanson scored four points in four games for the ECHL's Columbia Inferno last year after finishing his college career at Minnesota State University-Mankato. Prior to his four years in college, Hanson also played three years of junior hockey in the USHL with the Waterloo Blackhawks.

Boron On Fire

Don't let goaltender Tim Boron's 1-5-0 mark fool you. The 25-year old backstop sports a 2.69 goals against average and a .916 save percentage. Boron is 33 minutes shy of qualifying for the league leaders, but his goals against average would rank 10th in the CHL , while his save percentage would rank seventh. Boron joined the Thunder in November after beginning the season with the ECHL's Stockton Thunder. Boron has allowed three or fewer goals in five of his six games played. Last week, Boron saved 62 of 65 (.954), while allowing just three goals over 118 minutes in the two games (1.54).

Odd Numbers

When outshot by their opponents at the end of the night, the Thunder have managed a 6-7-0 record. The Thunder is also a respectable 4-6-0 on the road. However, Wichita is still winless (0-6-1) when outshooting the opposition, and have dropped to 2-7-1 at the Kansas Coliseum.

Team Leaders

After 20 games, Scott Rozendal leads the Thunder with nine goals, while Jason Duda has a team-best 15 assists, 21 points, and a +6 +/- rating. Troy Ofukany has grabbed the team lead in penalty minutes with 37, and fighting majors with three.

Injury Update

Wichita returned two players to the lineup last week. Greg Cassista returned on Thursday at Bossier-Shreveport after missing three games. Matt Byrnes was activated off of the 14-Day IR in time for Saturday's game vs. Bossier-Shreveport. Connor MacDonald was also activated from the 14-Day IR, but was scratched from the game and is still considered day-to-day. Chris Shudo, Luke Hunter, and Jonathan Bernier were placed on the 14-Day IR. Mike Batovanja is still on the 30-Day IR after suffering a knee injury back on October 18th. Wichita has not had a full 18-man roster for a game since November 8th vs. Mississippi, and have entered a game with as few as 13 skaters twice.

Up Next

Wichita has three games this week, including two on the road against rival Oklahoma City. The Thunder travel to the Ford Center on both Tuesday and Friday. The Blazers have beaten the Thunder in all three meetings between the clubs this year. Wichita returns home on Saturday night to host the Rocky Mountain Rage at the Coliseum. Wichita is 2-0 vs. the Rage. The game will also feature the Thunder's 7th annual Teddy Bear Toss for Charity, where fans are encouraged to throw a new or unwrapped teddy bear onto the ice when the Thunder score their first goal. Fans who register their teddy bears will receive a voucher for a future Thunder game. The Thunder hopes to break its record of 1,629 teddy bears thrown onto the ice, which was set last season. All three games this week can be heard worldwide at www.wichitathunder.com Saturday's game vs. Rocky Mountain kicks off at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL.

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 8, 2008


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