Thunder continue playoff push
March 4, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder continued their march toward a potential playoff spot with an impressive 4-1 win over the Oklahoma City Blazers last night at the Kansas Coliseum.
The victory was a franchise-record fifth straight over Oklahoma City and moved the Thunder closer to their first playoff appearance in five years. With 68 points, the Thunder now trail both Memphis and Indianapolis by just one point in the battle for the final two playoff spots in the Northern Conference. Veteran Travis Clayton led the Thunder to victory with two goals last night, as the Thunder moved their record to 12-3-0 in the last 15 games.
The Thunder return to action tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m., when they host the Amarillo Gorillas. During the game, the Thunder will hold their 10th annual Kansas Goodwill/Easter Seals Sports Auction on the lower east concourse of the Coliseum. Nearly 200 items will be up for bid, including a hockey stick signed by Wayne Gretzky, a Cal Ripken Jr. autographed baseball and a Barry Sanders signed football.
The Thunder also announced that Travis Clayton Bobblehead Night has been postponed from tomorrow to next Sunday, March 14th. Due to heightened security, the bobbleheads, which were manufactured in China, are currently stuck in U.S. Customs in California. 1800 random fans will have the opportunity to receive a Travis Clayton Bobblehead Doll, while an additional 100 dolls can be purchased from the Storm Booster Club next weekend.
On Saturday, the Thunder will face the athletes from Wheelchair Sports in the fifth annual Thunder vs. Plunder Wheelchair Hockey Game at the North High Gym. Tickets for the benefit game are just $4 each and can be purchased at the Thunder game on Friday. The ball drops on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
The Thunder trade the wheelchairs back in for skates on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. when they will host the CHL's best team, the Laredo Bucks. All fans in attendance will receive a 2003-04 Thunder team photo and will be able to get it signed during the postgame skate and autograph session. The Thunder will also wear green jerseys and hold a silent auction, with the proceeds benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The Thunder will make two more player appearances around town, beginning tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Dick's Sporting Goods, located at 21st and Rock Road. The Thunder players will also sign autographs at Dillard's in Towne East on Saturday from Noon until 1:00 p.m. All fans attending the Dillard's promotion will receive the 2003-04 Thunder team photo prior to Sunday's giveaway.
For more information or to order tickets, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from March 4, 2004
- Ice Bats swoop away with 4-3 overtime victory - Mississippi RiverKings
- Reid receives league honors - San Angelo Saints
- Thunder continue playoff push - Wichita Thunder
- Gravelle Earns CHL Player of the Month Honors - Tulsa Oilers
- Levy Earns CHL Accolade - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- CHL Names Sherwood Player of the Month, Vaughn Goaltender of the Month for October - CHL
- Richards to return as RiverKings head coach next season - Mississippi RiverKings
- Strome Named Finalist For Rookie of the Year - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Auction, reception planned to help RiverKings' Parsons in separate charitable drives - Mississippi RiverKings
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