Thunder Drop Two in Mississippi
February 23, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
The Thunder lost 5-3 to Mississippi on Friday night. Wichita fell behind 3-0 after the first 3:13 of the game, with the Riverkings scoring their three goals in a span of 39 seconds. The Riverkings eventually built leads of 4-0 and 5-1 before Wichita rallied on a shorthanded goal from Chris Shudo early in the second period. Brad Thompson scored midway through the third to make it a two-goal game, but the Thunder was shutdown for the rest of the night. Joel Hanson contributed the Thunder's third goal, while Jason Duda picked up two assists. John Daigneau, who subbed in for Krister Toews after the Riverkings' third goal was scored, made his Thunder debut and saved 36 of 38 in the relief appearance.
Wichita had another rally fall short against Mississippi on Saturday night, once again losing by a final of 5-3. Chris Tarkir tied the game at 1-1 at 8:48 in the first period, but the Riverkings scored four unanswered goals in the second to take a 5-1 lead. Benefitting from two five-on-three power plays, Jason Tessier and Bryan Nathe scored 19 seconds apart in the third period to cut the lead to 5-3. Like Friday however, the Thunder was held off by the Kings for the rest of the night. Jason Duda picked up two more assists, giving him four for the weekend. John Daigneau made his first start for the Thunder, saving 33 of 38 in the loss.
New Faces
With injuries continuing to hurt the Thunder, Wichita welcomed two new players last week. Veteran defenseman Bobby Rapoza, who played 20 games for Wichita in 2002-03, was signed last week and played over the weekend in Mississippi. Rapoza started the season in Corpus Christi. Goaltender John Daigneau was signed as well, and made his debut on Friday night saving 36 of 38.
Attendance Thriving
After hosting 6,412 fans on Saturday night, the Thunder improved its season average to 5,400 fans per game. The Thunder ranks second in the league in attendance for the fourth consecutive season, with almost 1,700 fans per game more than the league average. Wichita has already sold out two contests this season, with 9,560 fans on October 18th, and 9,487 on January 24th.
Road Battles
Wichita is in the midst of a stretch of seven road games in nine total games. Following Wednesday's home game versus Tulsa, the Thunder travels to Rapid City for the final time this season. The Thunder plays the Rush Friday and Saturday before making the long trip back to Wichita for a 5:05 p.m. Sunday game versus Bossier-Shreveport. Next week, the Thunder plays three games, in three nights, in three different cities. Wichita heads to Oklahoma City next Thursday, then travels to Bossier-Shreveport on Friday, and completes the turnaround on Saturday with a game in Tulsa.
Duda Having Special Year
Jason Duda picked up four assists over the weekend, notching two in each game at Mississippi. Duda now has 11 multi-point games this season, easily the most on the Thunder. In his last 24 games, Duda has scored 28 points, including 11 goals. Duda has points in 17 of the 24 games. Duda's 17 goals, 32 assists, and +7 +/- rating are all best on the Thunder. Duda has 49 points in 46 games played this season.
Thunder Ironmen
While injuries have forced various roster moves this season, two players have appeared in all 51 of the the Thunder's games. They are Jason Tessier and Chris Tarkir.
Injury Update
Stan Yanchishyn returned from the IR on Saturday at Mississippi after missing five games due to an eye injury. Scott Rozendal, who suffered a punctured lung in practice two weeks ago, was moved from the 14-Day IR to the 30-Day IR, and will be eligible to return in March. Tim Boron (lower body), Greg Cassista (knee), and Mike Batovanja (knee) were all placed on the Season-Ending IR last week. Batovanja had been on the 30-Day IR since October. Jonathan Bernier (foot) remains on the 30-Day IR.
Up Next
Wichita hosts the Tulsa Oilers on Wednesday night at the Kansas Coliseum. Hot dogs will cost just $1.00 the entire night. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
Central Hockey League Stories from February 23, 2009
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- Oilers Weekly - Tulsa Oilers
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- Eagles Week In Review - Colorado Eagles
- Thunder Drop Two in Mississippi - Wichita Thunder
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