Late Magic Lifts Thunder in OT
February 12, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder won 4-3 in overtime over the Bloomington Prairie Thunder at the INTRUST Bank Arena on Saturday night.
Wichita overcame a three-goal deficit, including a game-tying goal from Lance Galbraith with 47.3 seconds left in regulation, before A.J. Gale scored at 2:37 in overtime for the win.
With an extra attacker on the ice, Matt Robinson led the game-tying rush, carrying the puck down the left boards and behind the net. Robinson slipped the puck in front of the crease where Galbraith crashed through the slot and knocked it past the right of Bloomington goaltender Brad Phillips.
Gale faked before stepping to his left and blasting the game-winner from the high slot over Phillips' left shoulder.
It was Wichita's first home overtime win since February 7th, 2009.
Bloomington scored twice in the first to take an early 2-0 lead. Brett Holmberg opened the scoring at 4:28, shooting high on Kevin Beech on a rebound from the slot. Billy Bezeau slipped a goal past Beech's left from just outside the crease at 13:09.
After Jon Booras' wrist shot at 6:58 in the second gave Bloomington a 3-0 lead, Jesse Bennefield put the Thunder on the board, banging in a backdoor rebound during a Wichita power play at 17:05.
Bennefield sliced the lead to 3-2, scoring at 4:49 in the third.
Beech, who was making his Thunder debut, made several key saves in the second to keep Wichita in the game. Beech finished the night 22 for 25. Phillips took the loss, saving 30 of 34. Wichita was 2 for 10 on the power play while Bloomington was 0 for 3.
The Thunder heads to Mississippi for a Sunday afternoon match at 3:00 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on Sports Radio 1550 KKLE and worldwide at www.kleyam.com The Thunder returns home on Friday, February 18th when they host the RiverKings at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or visit the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com
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