Thunder Drops Three Close Games
January 4, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita lost three games last week, all decided by three goals or less, beginning with a 4-2 loss to the Rapid City Rush on Tuesday at the Kansas Coliseum. Brandon Kaleniecki scored two third period goals, including a shorthanded score in the game's final minute. The Thunder outshot the Rush 32 to 26.
The Thunder closed out 2009 with a 3-0 loss to the expansion Allen Americans on Thursday night. It marked the second time in three games and fifth time overall this season that Wichita was shutout. Allen scored a single goal in each period to build their lead. Ian Keserich, Kevin Cooper, and Steve Makway made their Thunder debuts with Keserich saving 34 of 37 in the loss.
Wichita fell 4-1 to the Rush on Saturday night in Rapid City. The Rush broke a scoreless tie late in the second period and added their second goal early in the third to take command of the game. Keserich stopped 41 of 44 in the loss. The 41 saves were a season-high for a Thunder goaltender this year. Kevin Cooper scored the Thunder's lone goal late in the third while Steve Makway picked up his first Thunder assist.
Keserich Strong In Debut
New goaltender Ian Keserich has made an immediate impact for the Thunder. Keserich saved 75 of 81 (.926) shots in his first two games with the Thunder.
Jorgensen Headed to All-Star Game
Thunder defenseman Jim Jorgensen was selected to the CHL All-Star team last week. Jorgensen has 12 points in 31 games, tops among Thunder defensemen. The All-Star Game is scheduled for January 13th in Laredo, in which a team formed from the Bucks, IceRays, and Killer Bees will take on the CHL All-Stars.
Coliseum Countdown
Just two games remain in the history of the Kansas Coliseum. Wichita hosts the Tulsa Oilers on Friday night before playing their final game at Britt Brown Arena on Saturday when they take on the Odessa Jackalopes.
IBA on the Horizon
After this weekend, the Thunder next plays at home on Saturday, January 23rd when they host the Tulsa Oilers in the inaugural game at the INTRUST Bank Arena downtown.
Thunder Makes Trade With RiverKings
Last week the Thunder acquired goaltender Ian Keserich, defenseman Steve Makway, and left wing Kevin Cooper from the Mississippi RiverKings in exchange for Tim Boron and Kevin Truelson. Keserich posted a 3.14 goals against average and.902 save percentage with the ECHL's Johnstown Chiefs last season. In his first stint with Mississippi two years ago, the Parma, OH native won seven of his final 10 decisions at the end of 2008 to help the Kings grab the Northern Conference's final playoff spot. Cooper spent the last two seasons with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, scoring 89 points in 93 games. Makway ranked first in the CHL among defensemen with 20 assists at the time of the trade. Makway scored 84 points in 126 games for the Thunder from 2006-2008.
Injury Update
Brad Thompson was scratched from Saturday's game at Rapid City with a concussion and is considered day-to-day. Head Coach Jason Duda was placed on the Season Ending IR last week with a back injury and will undergo surgery later this month.
Up Next
Wichita plays two home games this week, hosting Tulsa on Friday and Odessa on Saturday in the final two games at the Kansas Coliseum. Both contests begin at 7:05 p.m. For tickets to this weekend's game, as well as all games at the INTRUST Bank Arena, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
Central Hockey League Stories from January 4, 2010
- Allen Americans Weekly Notes - Allen Americans
- Schedule Slows Down - Tulsa Oilers
- Nimmo wins "Player of the Week" - Amarillo Gorillas
- Mudbugs Weekly - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- RiverKings Weekly - Mississippi RiverKings
- Amarillo's David Nimmo and Allen's Chris Whitley Win Weekly Awards - CHL
- Comedian Jerry Rocha To Headline All Star Banquet - Laredo Bucks
- Sundogs' Fourth Annual Ladies Night Set For January 25 - Arizona Sundogs
- Colorado Eagles Week In Review - Colorado Eagles
- Mavericks Weekly - Kansas City Mavericks
- Sundogs Notes - Arizona Sundogs
- Thunder Drops Three Close Games - Wichita Thunder
- Jackalopes Weekly Update - Odessa Jackalopes
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.
