Thunder Come Back for Second-Straight Game Against Rio Grande Valley
April 1, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS (April 1st) - Wichita held onto home-ice advantage, coming back to defeat the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 2-1 and now lead the best-of-seven series two games to none. Chris Greene and Chris Chappell each had two points and Dustin Donaghy scored his first playoff goal of his career.
Wichita had trouble staying out of the penalty box in the first period, giving Rio Grande Valley three chances with the man advantage. Tomas Klempa cashed in with 2:37 left, scoring in close and gave the Killer Bees a 1-0 lead for the second-straight game in the series. Wichita was all over the Killer Bees in the first, outshooting Rio Grande Valley 14 to six in the first period.
Matt Robinson appeared to tie the game at one at 6:40 of the second period. He came over the Rio Grande line and fired a shot that caught the cross-bar. The official initially ruled it a goal, but after visiting with his linemen and the goal judge, it was waived off.
Donaghy (1) tied the game at one with three minutes left in the second when his shot from the goal line slid past Bees starter John Murray inside the post. Minute later, Brady Leavold was awarded a penalty shot and was unable to find the net as his shot sailed past Russo and the game remained tied at a goal-a-piece.
Wichita scored quickly in the third when a Daniel Tetrault slapper redirected to Chris Greene (1) and he roofed it past Murray. Rio Grande Valley turned up the pressure and had a late power play, but couldn't solve Adam Russo and Wichita held on for a 2-1 victory.
Chris Greene had a goal and an assist and Chris Chappell had two assists. Russo earned his second win of the post-season, stopping 19 of 20 shots. Wichita went 0-for-7 on the power play while Rio Grande Valley was 1-for-5.
The series shifts to south Texas on Wednesday and Thursday for Games three and four at State Farm Arena. Both games will start at 7 p.m.
Wichita Thunder season tickets for 2012-13 are now on sale. A $50 dollar non-refundable deposit is required for all season tickets. Contact the Wichita Thunder Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (316) 264-4625 if you are interested in season tickets, or visit the fan relations table behind section 120 at any Wichita Thunder home game.
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Central Hockey League Stories from April 1, 2012
- Thunder Come Back for Second-Straight Game Against Rio Grande Valley - Wichita Thunder
- Brahmas Even the Series, Beat Allen 4-3 - Allen Americans
- Time Runs out on Bees, Fall 2-1 to Wichita - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Komets Repel Rush 3-1; Series Even 1-1 - Fort Wayne Komets
- Wilson notches OT winner with second marker of the game - Rapid City Rush
- Komets Even Series with 3-1 Win - Rapid City Rush
- Mavericks Take 3-0 Series Lead with Overtime Win - Kansas City Mavericks
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