Thunder Drops Four in Tough Week
February 15, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
The Wichita Thunder went 0-3-1 last week, beginning with a 6-3 loss to the Colorado Eagles at home on Wednesday. The Eagles scored three times in the first 3:11 of the game and eventually led 5-0 into the second period. Wichita showed heart and battled to within 5-3 before the Eagles scored the second of two shorthanded goals in the third to put the game away. Neil Clark scored a goal and two assists in his Thunder debut.
Wichita continued its homestand on Friday and suffered a 4-1 loss to the Missouri Mavericks. Neil Clark scored for a second straight game, using a third period goal to bring the Thunder within one goal. Missouri scored twice more later in the frame to take control of the game. Ian Keserich stopped 37 of 41 in the loss and also earned a fighting major when he took on Mavericks' goaltender Charlie Effinger in the final minute of the game.
Wichita earned its first point of the week on Saturday, falling 2-1 in a shootout to the Arizona Sundogs at home. Down 1-0 in the third, Brad Thompson tied the game with a power play goal. Thompson almost won the game outright in overtime, hitting the left post on a slapshot during a power play. Arizona's Kyle Hood scored the lone goal in the shootout, handing the Thunder their fourth shootout loss of the season. Ian Keserich had another terrific start, going 29 of 30 through regulation and overtime. Paul Kelly had his point streak snapped at five games.
The Thunder lost 4-2 to the Mississippi RiverKings on Sunday afternoon in their lone road match of the week. Anders Strome netted his first goal in his return to the Thunder early in the first, but Mississippi scored twice in the same period and never relinquished their lead. JR Bria added his first goal of the season, but Wichita's offense was held in check over the game's final 38:45. Scott Campbell saved 36 of 40 in the loss and had his four-game road winning streak come to an end.
Penalties Killed
The Thunder had another great week tackling opposing power play units. The Thunder was 25 of 27, including an 8 for 8 performance on Sunday at Mississippi. Wichita's penalty kill corps is 85 for 91 (93.4) during the last 16 games and has not allowed more than one power play goal in a game since December 31st. The Thunder now ranks fifth in the league.
Clark Having Early Impact
Forward Neil Clark was acquired from the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs at the trade deadline last Monday in exchange for Jim Jorgensen. Clark already has points in three of four games with the Thunder.
Reese Steady Rookie
Rookie center Jason Reese has four points in his last eight games and currently ranks 11th among CHL rookies with 17 points.
Keserich Stellar
Ian Keserich fell to 0-11-1 in a Thunder sweater after Saturday's 2-1 shootout loss versus Arizona. Keserich is tied for fourth in the league with a 2.59 goals against average and tied for first with a.924 save percentage. In Keserich's 11 starts, the Thunder has scored one goal nine times, while scoring zero and two goals once each.
Player Notes
Center Brad Thompson has four points in his last five games. Defenseman Mark Adamek is on a three-game point streak and has seven points in his last 12 games.
Busy Schedule Continues
The Thunder recently finished a stretch of four games in five nights, including consecutive games Friday-Sunday. Wichita repeats that exact same process over the next two weeks before heading on a week-long road trip in early March that includes stops in Rapid City and Colorado. Eight of the Thunder's next 11 games are away from the INTRUST Bank Arena.
Injury Report
Steve Makway has been scratched three of the last four games with a shoulder injury and is considered day-to-day. Mark Adamek was scratched Sunday, battling the effects of being checked from behind by Arizona's Linus Fagemo late in Saturday's contest, and is also day-to-day. Ryan Campbell remains on the 14-Day IR with a shoulder injury.
Up Next
The Thunder gets a rematch against the RiverKings this Wednesday at home at 7:05 p.m. Wichtia hits the road later in the week, battling Texas on Friday and Bossier-Shreveport on Saturday. The Thunder hosts Texas on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
Central Hockey League Stories from February 15, 2010
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- Texas Edges Allen In 2-1 Nail-Biting Shootout - Allen Americans
- Mudbugs Weekly For Monday, February 15 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
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- Jaeger Earns League's Goalie Of Week Award - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Missouri Mavericks 2010-11 Season Tickets On Sale Now - Kansas City Mavericks
- Mangos Named CHL Player Of The Week - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Oakley Central Hockey League Player/Goaltender Of The Month Announced - CHL
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- Mardi Gras Jersey Auction Online Now - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
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- Bucks Offer Great Fun Thursday Against Bees - Laredo Bucks
- Sundogs Notes - Arizona Sundogs
- Jackalopes Three Points Away from a Playoff Spot - Odessa Jackalopes
- Thunder Drops Four in Tough Week - Wichita Thunder
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