Third Period Comeback Dooms Thunder in Loss to Chill
Published on December 13, 2013 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
St. Charles, MO - Wichita (6-13-4) couldn't hold onto a third-period lead Friday night, losing to the St. Charles Chill (6-12-4) by the final of 3-1 at the Family Arena. The Thunder led most of the way, but Jon Madden's first goal of the season was the only offense on the night. Wichita drops to 0-1-1 against the Chill this season and plays its last contest on the road at St. Charles tomorrow night. The two teams close out the regular season-series in Wichita at the end of December.
The first period was pretty even for both teams and both goaltenders were called upon early. David Brown made two crucial saves from in-close in the first few minutes including a terrific save on a wrap around chance by Jordan Fox. Madden broke the scoreless tie at 12:19 with his first of the season when Nick McParland, who returned for his first game in three weeks, made a great play to get Madden the puck at the left circle and beat Robby Moss with the other assist going to RG Flath.
In the second, the Thunder came out fast and out-shot the Chill 6-0 in the first five minutes. Moss was able keep his team in it stopping each Wichita opportunity. The best chance came from a Matt Robinson break-a-way that he got his leg pad on midway through the period. The Thunder closed out the second out-shooting the Chill 12-8 and were unable to find the back of the net on its only chance with the man advantage in the frame. The penalty killing unit was solid, but Brown continued to make some great saves including his best on Steve Makway with his glove.
The Thunder continued to carry the play and held the Chill to just three shots in the third. Moss made 11 saves in the final 20 minutes as Wichita continued to be stymied by the St. Lawrence University product. St. Charles went on to score three goals in a four-minute span to grab the lead. With less than five minutes remaining, Nicklas Lindberg started the come-back with a one-timer from the left circle to tie the game. Ryan Berard scored the game-winner at 16:33 as he got behind a Thunder defender at the right circle, put a shot towards the net that appeared to re-direct off a man in-front and found its way past Brown. Wichita called a time-out with just over a minute remaining and pulled Brown for the extra attacker. On the ensuing face-off, Fox collected a loose puck at the edge of the right circle and rifled it down the ice into the empty-net and closed out the scoring for the 3-1 win for the home team.
Wichita drops to 4-4-2 on the road and 2-3-1 when leading after two periods. Madden recorded his second goal of his pro career. Brown took the loss, stopping 15 of 17 shots. Moss earned the victory, stopping 32 of 33 shots he faced.
Wichita went 0-for-4 on the power play. St. Charles was 0-for-2.
Wichita remains in St. Charles tomorrow night to take on the Chill at 7:05. Wichita is in the midst of a five-game road trip. The following week, the Thunder head to Arizona to face the Sundogs for the first time this season for a two-game set. The road swing ends with a rematch against the Oilers on Friday, December 27th at 7:35 p.m.
Individual game tickets are on sale now. Season tickets and mini plans are still available. Don't delay, contact the Wichita Thunder Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (316) 264-4625. Stay up-to-date on all the news this off-season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from December 13, 2013
- Cutthroats Tether the Sundogs - Denver Cutthroats
- Third Period Comeback Dooms Thunder in Loss to Chill - Wichita Thunder
- Cutthroats Drown Sundogs in 4-1 Loss - Arizona Sundogs
- Mavericks Defeat Americans 5-2 - Kansas City Mavericks
- Rimmer, Mallards Blank Rapid City; Quad City Extends Unbeaten Streak - Quad City Mallards
- Chill Win Second Straight - St. Charles Chill
- Oilers Blanked by Beast - Tulsa Oilers
- Shots from the Point for December 13, 2013 - CHL
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