Thunder Closes Weekend with Shootout Loss to KC
March 7, 2021 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita Thunder forward Beau Starrett takes a shot against the Kansas City Mavericks
(Wichita Thunder)
WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita closed a busy week on Sunday afternoon, falling in a shootout to Kansas City, 1-0, at INTRUST Bank Arena.
Alex Sakellaropoulos and Matt Ginn combined for 78 saves through 67 minutes. Peter Crinella tallied the only shootout goal for the Thunder.
In the first, Wichita had some great chances early, including a breakaway right off the opening puck drop. Anthony Beauregard got behind the defense, but was denied by Ginn. Beau Starrett almost accomplished the same thing at 7:31, but drew a penalty on the play and was awarded a penalty shot. He had Ginn beat cutting across the crease, but couldn't elevate it enough with a backhand and the game remained scoreless.
Wichita carried a power play into the second, but couldn't get one past the Kansas City netminder. The Thunder drew a double minor for a high stick as Nick Pastujov was assessed a four-minute penalty. The Mavericks staved it off and the contest headed to the third still looking for the game's first goal.
Kansas City outshot the Thunder in the final frame, 17-4. Sakellaropoulos was outstanding, making some tough saves from in-close. Wichita ended regulation with a power play as Zach Osburn was called for slashing.
In the extra session, the Mavericks killed off the Thunder man advantage and had a chance themselves as Patrik Parkkonen was called for interference. Wichita got the through the two-minute minor and almost ended it near the end of overtime. Parkkonen came out of the penalty box, flew up the ice with Dean Stewart. He tried to dish a pass over, but Stewart was tangled up with a defender and the game headed to a shootout.
Brodie Reid and Adam Brady scored for the Mavericks. Crinella scored for the Thunder in the bottom of the second round. Parkkonen was denied on his chance and the game ended with the Mavericks winning 1-0.
Wichita fell to Kansas City by the final of 1-0 for the second time this season. Sakellaropoulos has stopped his last 66 shots, which includes his performance on Tuesday night against Rapid City when he made 25 saves in relief of Evan Weninger. Wichita is now 2-1 in games decided in a shootout. Last season, the Thunder didn't appear in the penalty shot round once all year.
The Thunder remains at home on Wednesday night and will start a three-game set against the Tulsa Oilers at 7:05 p.m.
Images from this story
 Wichita Thunder forward Beau Starrett takes a shot against the Kansas City Mavericks |
ECHL Stories from March 7, 2021
- Garlent's OT Heroics Give Rush Win and Spire Series - Rapid City Rush
- Rush Outlast Rabbits in Overtime 2-1 - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Mavs Win Fourth Straight with a Shootout Decision over Wichita - Kansas City Mavericks
- Thunder Closes Weekend with Shootout Loss to KC - Wichita Thunder
- Luchuk powers Solar Bears to 5-2 win over Everblades - Orlando Solar Bears
- Blades Suffer Fourth Straight Loss - Florida Everblades
- Admirals Announce McIntosh as New CRO - Norfolk Admirals
- ECHL Transactions - March 7 - ECHL
- ECHL Announces Fine, Suspension - ECHL
- Game Preview: Swamp Rabbits at Rush, 6:05 PM - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Sunday Special vs Solar Bears - Florida Everblades
- Rush Answer Back with 2-1 Win over Rabbits - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Rush Power Play and Carlson Force Rubber Match - Rapid City Rush
- Comeback Complete on Saturday Night vs. Utah - Wichita Thunder
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.
