CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Enjoys Four-Game Split

Published on January 14, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


THUNDER BEATS 'KINGS FOR THIRD STRAIGHT- The Thunder jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead and never looked back, taking a 4-2 home win over Mississippi on Tuesday. Alex Goupil and Mike Batovanja led the Thunder with a goal and an assist each, while Kyle Bruce and Kris Wiebe also scored. The win was Wichita's third in a row, their first three-game win streak since March of 2006.

EAGLES SHUT DOWN THUNDER- Despite being badly outshot, the Thunder hung with the Eagles, staying within one goal, until Colorado pulled away for a 5-2 win on Wednesday. Kyle Bruce and Bruce Richardson scored goals for the Thunder, who were outshot 52-29.

THUNDER COMEBACK FALLS SHORT- Twice trailing by three goals, the Thunder pulled within one, but could not get the equalizer, falling 7-5 at Rocky Mountain on Friday. Travis Clayton led the Thunder with four assists, as he combined with Jason Duda and Chris Greene for 10 points on the evening.

THUNDER STONES BLAZERS- Trailing 2-1 after one, the Thunder scored two goals early in the second and never looked back, taking a 3-2 win in Oklahoma City on Sunday. Alex Goupil led the Thunder with two goals, while Travis Clayton chipped in his 48th career game-winner. Wichita outshot the Blazers 43-34.

LAPLANTE KEEPS ROLLING- Sebastien Laplante, last week's CHL Oakley Goaltender of the Week, continued his stellar play, going 2-1-0 for the week. Since coming off injured reserve on December 22nd, Laplante is 6-2-0, including his 100th pro career win.

SEVEN AND SEVEN- After winning just four times in 17 games under Mark French, the Thunder have gone 7-7-0 in 14 games under Rob Weingartner, including two road victories. Wichita was 0-8-0 on the road prior to Weingartner taking the helm. The Thunder has scored four goals or more in five of those 14 games, after scoring four goals just three times in their first 17 games. Defensively, Wichita has held opponents to two or less goals in half of Weingartner's 14 games, after doing so just three times in the first 17. The Thunder has two two-game win streaks and no losing streaks over two games under Weingartner. Before Weingartner, the Thunder had no two-game winning streaks and had three three-or-more game losing streaks.

FIGHTING TO THE TOP- The Thunder, easily one of the CHL's most physical teams, picked up 10 fighting majors last week and now has a decisive lead in that category, with 64. Youngstown is second with 58. Kyle Bruce leads the Thunder and is tied for the CHL lead with 15 majors. He also leads the Thunder with 129 penalty minutes. Rookie Mike Batovanja has 12 majors and 100 penalty minutes, while Tyler Hanchuck has eight majors and 112 penalty minutes.

FINALLY- After going six straight games without a power play goal, the Thunder exploded for three power play goals on Friday night at Rocky Mountain, ending streaks of 0-40 and 1-49. The Thunder power play is ranked last in the CHL, at just 10.1%.

PENALTY KILLING PERFECTION- On the flip side, the Thunder penalty killing unit has allowed just three power play goals over the last eight games (45-48). In that time the Thunder penalty killing unit has moved from last to 13th in the CHL, at 81.1%.

ROSTER MOVES- The Thunder acquired defenseman Martin Kubaliak from Tulsa on Tuesday for future considerations. On Friday, the Thunder acquired forward Cedric Bernier from Arizona and waived forward Sean Roulston. Defenseman Tyler Hanchuck, who has missed the last three games due to injury, is expected back in the lineup on Friday.

THUNDERBOLTS- Wichita is 1-2-0 on their season-long six-game road trip...Forward Alex Goupil is riding a five-game scoring streak and has five goals during the streak...Veteran Travis Clayton has five points in the last two games and 14 points in the last 11...Daniel Tetrault, Wichita's lone CHL All-Star, ranks second among CHL defensemen, with 110 shots on goal...Wichita is 4-2-0 in 2008...Mike Batovanja (+8) and Yanchishyn (+6), Wichita's two rookies, lead the team in plus/minus...Wichita is 3-0 in overtime this season and has scored on their only overtime shot in each game...Wichita is the only team in the CHL yet to play a shootout this season...The Thunder ranks second in the CHL in attendance, averaging 5,872 fans per game.

LAST WEEK'S GAMES:

Tuesday, January 8- Mississippi 2 at Wichita 4

Wednesday, January 9- Wichita 2 at Colorado 5

Friday, January 11- Wichita 5 at Rocky Mountain 7

Sunday, January 13- Wichita 3 at Oklahoma City 2

THIS WEEK'S GAMES:

Friday, January 11- Wichita at Arizona, 8:05 PM

Sunday, January 13- Wichita at New Mexico, 8:05 PM - 1410 AM

PRACTICE SCHEDULE- Tuesday, Wednesday, Wichita Ice Center, 10:00 AM

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 14, 2008


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