CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Closes Season With Road Losses

Published on March 22, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Wichita finished the 2009-10 season last week, going 0-2-0 on the road. The Thunder lost 3-0 to the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees on Friday night in Hidalgo, TX. Wichita allowed a season-high 54 shots on goal, with Scott Campbell making a season-high 51 saves in the loss. Andrew Davis scored against his former team. It was the seventh time this season the Thunder was shutout.

Wichita fell 7-4 to the Laredo Bucks in the final game of the season on Saturday. Bobby Hughes scored twice and had three points, whlie Tomas Klempa and Joel Hanson each chipped in two assists. Ian Keserich took the loss, saving 32 of 39. The Thunder trailed twice by five goals, and twice battled back within three.

Thunder Finishes Second in Attendance

The Wichita Thunder finished second in the CHL in attendance for a fifth consecutive year, averaging 5,001 fans per game. At the brand new INTRUST Bank Arena, voted the best arena in the CHL's annual Best of the Best poll, the Thunder averaged 6,659 fans over 13 games and had five crowds in excess of 7,000, including a franchise record sellout of 13,412 on January 23rd.

Klempa and Hanson Finish Strong

Tomas Klempa, who had a six-game point streak and four-game goal scoring streak late in the season, had 17 points over his final 12 games. Joel Hanson, who had a seven-game point streak of his own, had 14 points in his final 11 games.

Thunder Season Leaders

Joel Hanson led the Thunder this season with 14 goals and 31 points. Jason Reese tied for eighth among CHL rookies with 25 points, while Tomas Klempa was 13th with 21 points despite playing in just 26 CHL games this year. Though he missed the final 12 games of the year, Steve Makway finished tied for 13th with 34 points among defensemen. Chris McAllister finished tied for third among defensemen with 171 PIM. Ian Keserich finished tied for 12th in the league with a.904 save percentage.

Thunder Iron Men

Joel Hanson was the Thunder's only player to appear in all 64 games this season. With the exception of 1998-99, the Thunder has had at least one player appear in every regular season game in each year of its history. Brent Ottmann ranked second with 63.

Shorthanded 'D'

The Thunder defensive corps battled many injuries in the final two months of the season. Chris McAllister, Mark Adamek, JR Bria, Brett Beauchamp, Steve Makway, and AJ Bozoian all missed time. Forwards Brad Thompson and Kevin Cooper were full-time defensemen throughout the month of March. Wichita did not have six natural defensemen in their lineup over their final 21 games.

Injury Report

Chris McAllister missed the final two games of the season with a hamstring injury and was scratched in six of the season's final eight games. The Thunder had seven players finish the year on the Season-Ending IR. Mike Batovanja (knee), AJ Bozoian (lower body), Brett Beauchamp (concussion), JR Bria (groin), Kyle Bruce (upper body), Mark Adamek (shoulder), and Shane Foster (wrist) have all had their seasons cut short due to injury.

Thunder Moves Front Office

The Thunder has moved their business office from Lawrence-Dumont Stadium across the street to the Wichita Ice Center. The new business address is 505 W. Maple Wichita, KS 67213, and is in full operation.

Season Tickets on Sale Now

The Thunder is now accepting season ticket deposits for the 2010-11 season, with all 32 home games to be played at the INTRUST Bank Arena. The cost of the deposit is just $50 per seat. For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 22, 2010


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