Thunder Finishes Home Schedule
March 15, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
The Thunder had a tough start to the week, losing 8-1 to the Colorado Eagles on Wednesday night at the INTRUST Bank Arena. Wichita trailed just 2-1 after one period, but the Eagles exploded for five goals in the second en route to the win. Brett Lutes and Ryan McLeod each scored two goals.
The Thunder bounced back on Friday at Amarillo, scoring a season-high six goals in a 6-3 win to snap a nine-game losing streak. Bobby Hughes and Paul Kelly each had three points, while six total Thunder players had multi-point nights. Scott Campbell was stellar in net, saving 42 of 45 for the win.
The Gorillas shutout the following night 6-0 back in Wichita. Joe Guenther scored twice and had three points while Mike Brown earned a 41-save shutout. Scott Campbell took the loss, saving 27 of 33. David Nimmo and Anthony Battaglia each had two points.
Wichita fell 5-2 to the Missouri Mavericks on Sunday evening in their final home game of the year. The Thunder held leads to 1-0 and 2-1, but a pair of goals from Braden Walls in the second proved to be the difference. Ian Keserich saved 27 of 32 in the loss. Tomas Klempa and Paul Kelly both scored for the Thunder.
11th Annual Wheelchair Hockey Game on Wednesday
The 11th annual Thunder vs. Plunder Wheelchair hockey game is on Wednesday, March 17th at the Wichita State University Heskett Center. Tickets are just $4 for adults and $2 for children and can be purchased at the gate. A live jersey auction will follow, featuring the sweaters worn during the Thunder's game last Saturday versus Amarillo.
Saidachev Signed
The thunder signed third-year forward Evgeny Saidachev prior to Sunday night's game. The Khabarovsk, Russia native played seven games with the IHL's Fort Wayne Komet's earlier this season where he was a teammate of Tomas Klempa. Saidachev is also a former teammate of Kevin Cooper, with the two having played together last season in Bossier-Shreveport as well as at Middlebury College in 2003-04. Saidachev scored 85 points in 107 career games during his four-year college career.
Kelly Consistent Since Trade
Center Paul Kelly has 24 points in his last 28 games, including nine goals. Kelly scored the first goal in the history of the INTRUST Bank Arena on January 23rd versus Tulsa.
Reese and Klempa Among League's Best
Rookies Jason Reese and Tomas Klempa are among the CHL point leaders for rookies. Reese has seven points in his last seven games, which included a four-game point streak, and ranks tied for eighth among rookies in points. Klempa is tied for 12th and has 15 points in his last 10 contests, which included a six-game point streak.
Hanson Delivering
Second-year right wing Joel Hanson has 12 points in his last nine games. Hanson had a Thunder season-best seven-game point streak from 2/28-3/12.
McAllister Chipping in on Offense
Thunder captain and defenseman Chris McAllister has seven points in his last six games, all assists. During that stretch, McAllister had to miss four games with a hamstring injury.
Thunder Iron Men
Joel Hanson is the Thunder's only player to have appeared in all 61 games this season. With the exception of 1998-99, the Thunder has had at least one player appear in every regular season game in each year of its history. Brent Ottmann ranks second with 60.
Shorthanded 'D'
The Thunder defensive corps has battled several injuries recently. Chris McAllister, Mark Adamek, JR Bria, Brett Beauchamp, Steve Makway, and most recently AJ Bozoian have all missed time in the last month. Forwards Brad Thompson and Kevin Cooper were full-time defensemen during last week's road trip. Wichita has not had six natural defensemen in their lineup since February 12th, a span of 19 games.
Injury Report
The Thunder currently has seven players on the Season-Ending IR. Mike Batovanja (knee), AJ Bozoian (lower body), Brett Beauchamp (concussion), JR Bria (groin), Kyle Bruce (upper body), Mark Adamek (shoulder), and Shane Foster (wrist) have all had their seasons cut short due to injury.
Thunder Moves Front Office
The Thunder has moved their business office from Lawrence-Dumont Stadium across the street to the Wichita Ice Center. The new business address is 505 W. Maple Wichita, KS 67213, and is in full operation.
Up Next
The Thunder finishes the 2009-10 season on the road, heading to Rio Grande Valley on Friday night and then Laredo on Saturday night. Both games start at 7:05 p.m. Season ticket deposits for the 2010-11 season are now being accepted. For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
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