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CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Closes Out Long Trip With Loss

February 7, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Wichita Thunder went 0-1-1 last weekend, closing out a 10-day road trip at 2-1-1. The Thunder lost 5-4 in a shootout at Fort Wayne on Friday night. The Komets scored four goals in the third to erase a 4-0 Thunder lead, before outscoring Wichita 2-0 in the shootout for the win. Matt Robinson, Chris Greene, Lance Galbraith, and Jesse Bennefield all scored for the Thunder. Marc-Antoine Gelinas made a season-high 38 saves on 42 attempts in regulation and overtime in the loss.

Wichita fell 5-4 to the Komets in a wild game on Saturday night. Andrew Martens scored four goals in the second period to help Wichita battle from a 3-0 hole to a 4-4 tie. Fort Wayne regained the lead for good with an early goal in the third period. Komets' goaltender Nick Boucher stopped Matt Robinson's penalty shot with 2.3 seconds left in regulation to keep Wichita from tying the game. Following the penalty shot, a series of fights and penalties took place that resulted in 205 PIM between the two teams. The Thunder finishes their inaugural season series with the Komets 1-1-1.

Martens Quartet One for the Record Books

Andrew Martens became the first defenseman since the CHL's merger with the WPHL to score four goals in a game. Martens is also the first player to pot four goals in a single period since Mississippi's Louis Dumont in December of 2009. The feat took just 5:17 with a Fort Wayne goal mixed in between. Martens' first two goals came 26 seconds apart.

Consistent Thunder

Saturday marked the first time since December 25th that the Thunder lost consecutive games. The Thunder is 12-3-2 in their last 17 games.

Road Warriors

The Thunder has played well on the road of late. Since December 29th, the Thunder is 6-2-1 away from the INTRUST Bank Arena.

Robinson Lighting the Lamp

Left wing Matt Robinson is a on five-game point streak (4 G, 5 A) and is tied for third in the CHL with 28 goals scored. Robinson is also 10th in the league with 53 points.

Bennefield Among League's Best

Right wing Jesse Bennefield is ninth in the league with both 55 points and 24 goals.

Gale Streaking Again

Right wing A.J. Gale is riding an eight-game point streak (5 G, 9 A), and is tied for 12th in the league with 50 points. Since December 10th, Gale has had two other streaks that lasted seven games. Gale has 43 points in his last 29 games.

Martens Moving Up the Ranks

After a five-point weekend, Andrew Martens now leads all CHL defensemen with 12 goals and ranks third with 35 points.

Heavyweight Thunder

Robin Richards is now fifth in the league with 143 PIM and ranks tied for third with 15 majors. Jason Goulet's 111 PIM and 13 majors are fifth and third respectively among defensemen.

Gelinas Strong in Net

Goaltender Marc-Antoine Gelinas is all over the leaderboards in his rookie season. The 21-year old is tied for third with 19 wins, tied for ninth in goals against average (2.75), 10th in save percentage (.903), and tied for first with three shutouts.

Stars Among Stars

Matt Robinson currently ranks third among the CHL's three star leaders with 42 points. Robinson has earned three star honors 14 times this season. Jesse Bennefield is tied for 13th with 33 points.

Roster Notes

Center Bobby Hughes is on the 10-Day IR, while center Matt Hubbauer is on the 30-Day IR. Last week, Troy Schwab was activated from the 10-Day IR while Brent Cullaton was placed on the team suspension. Kory Scoran was scratched from Saturday's game at Fort Wayne.

Catch the Thunder All Season

All 66 Thunder games are broadcast on either 93.5 FM KWME or 1550 AM KKLE. You can also listen to each game on the internet at www.kleyam.com Emerson Biggin's West (located at 21st and Maize) is the Thunder's official watch party sponsor of all road games. Thunder food and drink specials will be offered throughout the season.

Up Next

The Thunder returns home on Friday, February 11th when they host the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees at 7:05 p.m. Friday the 11th is Credit Union of America Buy-In Night. Fans can stop by any participating Credit Union of America and pick up a free Upper Level voucher for the game. Friday is also the Thunder's first ever White-Out Night. Fans are encouraged to wear white to the arena, while the merchandise stand will offer 15% off all white apparel (excluding jerseys).

Saturday, February 12th is the Thunder's fourth annual Pink at the Rink Night, presented by AT&T Real Real Yellow Pages, Protection One, Salon Knotty, and KFDI. The Thunder will wear special pink sweaters which will be auctioned off during the game. Proceeds from the event will be donated to help raise the awareness of all forms of cancer.

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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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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