CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Drops Two to Close Coliseum

January 11, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Wichita Thunder dropped a 4-1 decision to the Tulsa Oilers on Friday night. The Oilers scored two goals midway through the first period and never looked back. Down 3-0 in the second, Steve Makway scored to cut into the lead, but it would be all the offense Wichita produced. Ian Keserich saved 28 of 31 in the loss. Marty Standish, Aaron Davis, and Troy Riddle all had multi-point nights for Tulsa.

The Thunder closed out the Kansas Coliseum on Saturday, losing 3-1 to the Odessa Jackalopes. Brent Ottmann scored just 2:05 into the game, and the Thunder held a 1-0 advantage into the third. However, Odessa rallied for three goals, two by Mike Ramsay, and took control of the game. Ramsay and Kenny Bernard each had three points. Keserich starred again in the loss, saving 32 of 34.

Keserich Doing His Part

Despite an 0-4-0 start with the Thunder, recently acquired goaltender Ian Keserich has been outstanding. Keserich, who turned 24 last week, has stopped 136 of 147 shots for a.925 save percentage. Keserich has also been a workhorse, starting four consecutive games and allowing three or fewer goals in all four.

Makway Among League Leaders

Steve Makway ranks fourth in the CHL among defensemen with 26 points and is tied for first with 21 assists. Makway has two points in four games with the Thunder.

Thunder Makes Deal With Jackalopes

Wichita acquired center Paul Kelly and defenseman JR Bria from the Odessa Jackalopes early last week in exchange for Troy Ofukany. Kelly scored 53 points in 62 games two seasons ago for the Tulsa Oilers and brings four years of ECHL experience. Bria finished +15 with 16 points in 62 games as a member of the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs last season.

Thunder Aqcuires WHL Star

The Thunder made its second trade of the week, and third in 11 days on Saturday, acquiring rookie center Jason Reese from the Arizona Sundogs in exchamge for Marc Belanger. Reese spent six seasons playing at the Major Junior level in the WHL, scoring 273 points in 317 games. The 21-year old posted 31 goals and 51 assists with a +20 rating in 69 games for the Tri-City Americans last year.

Injury Update

Brad Thompson remains on the 14-Day IR with a concussion. Head Coach Jason Duda will undergo back surgery on Monday and will not be present in Allen on Saturday. Assistant Coach Rob Boyle is expected to handle the team in Duda's absence.

INTRUST Bank Arena Notes

The Thunder moves into their new home on Saturday, January 23rd when they host the Tulsa Oilers at 7:05 p.m. Former Wichita resident and American Idol finalist Phil Stacey will be on hand to perform the National Anthem. The Thunder's first practice at the new arena is tentatively set for January 18th.

Up Next

With the All-Star Game scheduled for Wednesday in Laredo, the Thunder has just one contest this week, heading to Allen on Saturday night to take on the Americans at 7:30 p.m. Wichita has three games in three nights next week, playing at Bossier-Shreveport on Thursday and Tulsa on Friday before opening the INTRUST Bank Arena on Saturday. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics



Central Hockey League Stories from January 11, 2010


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