Thunder Alumni Emerge Victorious
February 19, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- Stars of past and present aligned at the INTRUST Bank Arena late Saturday evening as the Wichita Thunder defeated the Tulsa Oilers 9-8 in their first ever alumni game.
Scott Rozendal (Wichita 05-07, 08-09) scored what proved to be the game-winning goal, shooting under the left corner of the net at the 12:03 mark of the second half. The goal, which gave Wichita its biggest lead of the event at 9-6, proved key as the Oilers pulled within one thanks to a pair of late goals by Doug Pirnak (98-00, 01-05) inside the final two minutes. Pirnak finished the game with a hat trick.
The first several minutes were mostly defensive-minded for both sides, with Bobby Desjardins (Wichita 92-94) and Brian George (Tulsa) making key saves.
Former Team Captain and Head Coach Rob Weingartner (92-96) broke the ice at the 4:37 mark in the first half to give the Thunder a 1-0 lead. Sean Roulston, who played under Weingartner in 2008, assisted on the goal.
The teams continued to trade goals throughout the first half until the score was tied 3-3 heading into the intermission. Cory Dosdall (Wichita 96-99) accounted for both Thunder goals, coming at 6:23 and 15:47.
Sly Naud (Tulsa 92-96, 99-01) gave the Oilers their only lead of the night at 4-3 just 1:50 into the second half. Naud finished the night with two goals.
The Thunder responded 67 seconds later when Weingartner setup a backdoor opportunity that was punched in by Sean Roulston.
Roulston's father, Tom (Wichita 94-95), put Wichita back in front at 5-4 at the 6:19 mark. Bryan Wells (Wichita 93-96), another former captain and Head Coach had the assist.
Todd Newton (Tulsa 99-00) knotted the game yet again, scoring on a three-on-one at 7:08, but Dosdall scored his second of the night 15 seconds later to put Wichita in front for good. Weingartner and Mike Hiebert (Wichita 97-98, 99-00) added goals for the Thunder before Rozendal capped off Wichita's offensive attack.
Brad Link (Wichita 98-99) and Brad Best (10-11) played in net for their respective teams during the second half.
Three of Wichita's four retired numbers were represented on the ice through Weingartner (#15), Jason Duda (#11), and Desjardins (#35).
The two alumni squads will have a rematch on Saturday, March 26th at the BOK Center, preceding the regularly scheduled game between the Thunder and Oilers.
The Thunder and Oilers play their regularly scheduled game at 7:05 p.m. tonight at the INTRUST Bank Arena. 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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