Thunder Drops Two Heartbreakers, Gains Two Points
February 28, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
The Wichita Thunder picked up two of four points last week, falling twice in overtime. Wichita dropped a wild 8-7 affair on Wednesday to the Texas Brahmas at home, battling back from three separate four-goal deficits to tie the game. Greg Hogeboom scored the overtime game-winner for the Brahmas 27 seconds into the extra frame. Matt Robinson scored two goals while Aaron Davis and Andrew Martens each had three points.
The Thunder fell 5-4 in overtime to the Colorado Eagles on Saturday night in a back-and-forth contest. After Colorado took an early 1-0 lead, Matt Robinson, Jesse Bennefield, and Robin Richards scored in succession to put the Thunder in front 3-1. The Eagles responded and patched together three straight of their own to re-gain the lead before Andrew Martens tied the game at 4-4 midway through the third period. Adam Chorneyko potted the game-winner at 1:34 in overtime.
Offensive Thunder
The Thunder ranks second in the league in offense, averaging 3.77 goals per game.
Thunder Ironmen
After 52 games played this season, the Thunder has had six players appear in every contest. They are Chris Greene, Jesse Bennefield, A.J. Gale, Travis Wight, Aaron Davis, and Lance Galbraith.
Bonus Hockey
The Thunder has gone to overtime in six of their last 17 games. Prior to January 21st, the Thunder had played 21 straight games that were decided in regulation.
The Long March
The Thunder endures a greuling schedule to finish out the season. Wichita plays their final 14 games in a span of just 27 days. Nine of the Thunder's final 13 games will be on the road. Wichita also does not have any consecutive home games left on their schedule.
30 Goals
Both Matt Robinson (32) and Jesse Bennefield (30) have scored 30 goals in a Thunder sweater this season. Wichita's last 30-goal campaign was by Travis Clayton (30) in 2006-07. Wichita has had just one 20-goal scorer (Jason Duda, 2008-09) over the last three years. A.J. Gale joins Robinson and Bennefield as Thunder players with 20-plus goals in 2010-11, with Aaron Davis (19) and Andrew Martens (14) well within in reach.
Schwab Back in Full Force
Since missing 10 games during the month of January due to injury, center/right wing Troy Schwab has quickly returned to form. The second-year pro has 11 points in his last nine games, and 38 total points in 40 contests for the season.
Bennefield Among CHL's Best
Right wing Jesse Bennefield ranks tied for 11th in the league with 65 points and tied for ninth with 30 goals. Bennefield has 89 goals and 195 points in 166 CHL games over the last three seasons.
Robinson Lighting the Lamp
Left wing Matt Robinson is third in the league with 33 goals. Robinson trails Texas' Chad Woollard (35) and Rapid City's Ryan Menei (34) in the CHL's scoring race. Paul Jackson is the only Thunder player to ever lead the league in goals, scoring 71 in 1993-94.
Dynamic D-Man
Defenseman Andrew Martens is tied for second among CHL blue liners with 45 points and tied for first with 14 goals. Paul Esdale led all CHL defensemen with 22 goals and 69 points in 2004-05.
Roster Notes
Center Bobby Hughes is on the 10-Day IR. Center Matt Hubbauer is on the 30-Day IR. Marty Magers is on Goaltender IR. Left wing Brent Cullaton is on team suspension.
Catch the Thunder All Season
All 66 Thunder games are broadcast on either 93.5 FM KWME or 1550 AM KKLE. You can also listen to each game on the internet at www.kleyam.com Emerson Biggin's West (located at 21st and Maize) is the Thunder's official watch party sponsor of all road games. Thunder food and drink specials will be offered throughout the season.
Up Next
The Thunder hosts the Colorado Eagles on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday is Sonic Drive-In Buy-In Night, presented by Sonic Drive-In and KFH Radio. Fans can stop by any participating Sonic Drive-In in the Wichita area and receive a free Green Level ticket to the game.
The Thunder plays at Rapid City both Friday and Saturday. Both games are scheduled for 8:05 p.m.
For tickets to Tuesday's game, call the arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or visit the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com.
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