CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder 2-1 in Three Road Games

Published on October 27, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


After winning just four road games all of last season, the Thunder matched half of that total this week. Wichita got off to a rough start Tuesday night at Oklahoma City, losing their second consecutive 5-1 decision to the rival Blazers. Chris Shudo scored Wichita's only goal. Four of Oklahoma City's five goals came on the power play.

Wichita bounced back on Friday night against Rocky Mountain, defeating the Rage 6-3 at the Broomfield Event Center. Wichita trailed 2-1 after one period, but went on to score four unanswered goals including the first goals in the professional careers of Troy Ofukany and Mike Carmody. Scott Rozendal picked up the game winner at 8:27 in the second period. By the end of the night, six different Thunder players accounted for the goals, while 13 different players, including goaltender Krister Toews, had at least one point. Toews saved 39 of 42 to earn his first professional win.

The Thunder looked to be on their way to an easy win on Saturday night, jumping out to a 6-0 lead less than halfway into the contest. Chris Shudo and Jordan Hack each scored a pair, while Matt Byrnes and Chris Greene also chipped in goals. Hack's first period goal was the first in his professional career. However, the Scorpions rallied to score six consecutive goals themselves, including Torren DelForte's second of the night at 15:18 in the third period to tie the game. After killing off a late penalty that carried into overtime, Shudo won the game for the Thunder with his third goal of the night just 40 seconds into the extra frame.

Save Those Pucks

Four Thunder players scored their first professional goal this week. They were Chris Shudo, Mike Carmody, Troy Ofukany, and Jordan Hack. Hack and Carmody played in the NCAA last season for St. Lawrence University and New England College respectively. Ofukany split time in the Major Junior ranks with the WHL's Red Deer Rebels and Regina Pats. Shudo was also part of the junior ranks, playing for the SJHL's Melville Millionaires. Rookie goaltender Krister Toews, who spent the last four years with the University of Manitoba, collected his first professional win.

Difference of One Year

Last season, Wichita did not win their first road game until December 22 when they beat Rocky Mountain 4-1. After two weeks into 2008-2009, Wichita has already picked up half of their road wins from one year ago. The Thunder also did not score six goals in one game until February 15, and did not score seven until the final day of the season (March 22).

Immigration Approved

Rookie forward Jordan Hack and veteran defenseman Pascal Bedard both had their immigration approved before Friday's game at Rocky Mountain. Bedard is +3 with an assist, while Hack collected two goals and 10 PIM. The Thunder also waived forward Drew Heredia and defenseman Alex Hager earlier this week.

Up Next

The Thunder have a full weekend of games planned, beginning with their annual Halloween game on Friday night vs. Rocky Mountain. Wichita travels south on Saturday for their first look at the Tulsa Oilers and the new BOK Center. The weekend concludes when Wichita hosts the expansion Rapid City Rush on Sunday evening. For ticket information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 27, 2008


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