CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Edged Twice by Rush

Published on December 14, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Wichita Thunder lost two close games to the Rapid City Rush at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center last weekend. The Rush beat the Thunder 5-3 on Friday night, taking advantage of three power play goals. Kyle Bruce gave the Thunder an early 1-0 lead in the first, but Rapid City scored three unanswered goals and never trailed again. Joel Hanson and Jason Woll each scored in the third period, but the Rush answered back each time. Scott Campbell took the loss, saving 40 of 45 shots.

Saturday, the Thunder lost 5-4 despite a hat trick from Marc Belanger. Trailing 4-1 in the third, Belanger, who also scored in the first, potted two goals just 36 seconds apart to bring the Thunder within one. As they did on Friday, the Rush answered back to re-extend their lead. Jim Jorgensen scored to make it 5-4 with just over five minutes left in regulation, but the Thunder could not manage to tie the game. Jon Horrell took the loss, saving 27 of 32.

Plus

The Thunder finished a combined +19 as a team in their two losses at Rapid City, including +3 performances from Marc Belanger and Glenn Detulleo on Saturday night. The Thunder has finished with a positive +/- rating in three consecutive games, and is +24 during that stretch. Belanger and Detulleo's margins on Saturday were the highest for a Thunder player this season.

Even Strength

Wichita's has played well at even strength of late, outscoring their opponents 8-3 during their last three games.

Belanger's Hat Trick First of the Year

Marc Belanger scored the Thunder's first hat trick of 2009-10 on Saturday at Rapid City. It was the Thunder's 103rd regular season hat trick in team history. Wichita had four hat tricks in 2008-09, with Troy Ofukany's three goals on January 3rd of this year preceding Belanger.

Third Period Improvement

After scoring just nine third period goals in their first 20 games, the Thunder has scored six third period goals in their last three contests.

Woll Notches First

Defenseman Jason Woll scored the first goal of his professional career on Friday night. Woll was +3 during the weekend. The Portland, OR native played four seasons at the Milwaukee School of Engineering where he scored 77 points in 108 games.

Point Streaks

Linemates Brad Thompson, Joel Hanson, and Troy Ofukany all had three-game point streaks snapped on Saturday night.

Injury Update

Brandon Kaleniecki remains on the 14-Day IR with a rib cage injury and is eligible to return at anytime. Tim Boron is on the Goaltender IR with a hip injury. Both Kaleniecki and Boron practiced with the team during their trip to Rapid City. Jason Duda remains on the 30-Day IR with a back injury.

Up Next

The Thunder takes on the Colorado Eagles in Loveland on Wednesday night. Wichita returns home this weekend when they host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs on Friday and Saturday. Friday is the Thunder's 16th annual sports auction as well as the Kansas Food Bank's Food Drive, presented by Kissin' Country 102.1 and 107.3 The Road. Saturday is the Thunder's annual Teddy Bear Toss, presented by Bank of the West and Entercom. Following the game, fans can meet the team at the Park City Applebee's just south of the Coliseum. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 14, 2009


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