CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Grabs First Win at INTRUST Bank Arena

Published on February 22, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Wichita Thunder went 1-3-0 last week, beginning with a 5-2 loss to the Mississippi RiverKings on Wednesday night at home. Paul Kelly scored two goals, including the first of the game to give Wichita an early 1-0 lead. The RiverKings though, scored five times in between Kelly's pair to take control of the game. Wichita allowed three power play goals, marking the first time since December 31st they had allowed more than one in a single game. Scott Campbell saved 14 of 14 in relief of Ian Keserich who was removed in the second period.

The Thunder lost 4-1 to the Texas Brahmas on Friday night in North Richland Hills. Texas scored single goals in each of the first two periods before breaking the game open with two more in the third. Neil Clark scored the Thunder's lone goal. Scott Campbell made 41 saves, including 21 in the first period.

Wichita fell 5-1 to the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs on Saturday night in Bossier City. The Mudbugs took control of the game early, staking themselves to a 3-0 lead by the end of the first. For a second straight night, the Thunder broke up a shutout in the third period. Tomas Klempa put Wichita on the board with help from Jason Woll and Taylor Guay. It was Guay's first professional point. Scott Campbell saved 29 of 34 in the loss.

The Thunder bounced back on Sunday evening at home, shutting out the Brahmas 1-0 for their first win at the INTRUST Bank Arena. Brent Ottmann scored the game's only goal, which came on a long shot midway through the second period. Ian Keserich stopped all 27 shots he faced to earn his third career shutout and the Thunder's first since November of 2007. The win broke the Thunder's seven-game losing streak and also snapped Texas' eight-game winning streak.

Keserich Back to the Top

Ian Keserich bounced back from a rough start last Wednesday and shutout the Texas Brahmas 1-0 on Sunday at home. It was the third shutout of his professional career. Keserich is tied for the league lead with a.923 save percentage and ranks tied for seventh with a 2.64 goals against average.

Penalty Kill Rebounds

After allowing three power play goals on Wednesday versus Mississippi, the Thunder is 13 for its last 13 when shorthanded. Over the last 20 games, the Thunder penalty kill unit is 101 for its last 110 (91.8%) and has risen to sixth in the CHL at 83.6% for the season.

Point-a-Game Players

Forwards Paul Kelly and Neil Clark, both acquired in midseason trades, have been the catalysts for the Thunder offense of late. Kelly has 16 points in his last 16 games, and currently ranks third on the Thunder scoring chart this year. Clark seven points in eight games since joining the Thunder earlier in the month.

Shutout Notes

Wichita's 1-0 win versus Texas on Sunday was their first credited shutout since December 13th, 2008 when Tim Boron lost a 1-0 shootout decision to the Rocky Mountain Rage. It was the Thunder's first shutout win since November 3rd, 2007 when Sebastien Laplante defeated the Oklahoma City Blazers 3-0. Prior to Sunday, the Thunder's last 1-0 win came on March 26th, 2005 with Jason Flick beating Bossier-Shreveport in the playoffs. The Thunder's last 1-0 regular season win was February 7th, 2004. Nathan Grobins beat the New Mexico Scorpions.

Injury Report

Mark Adamek (shoulder) was placed on the 14-Day IR last week and is eligible to return as early as Saturday. JR Bria (lower body) and Steve Makway (upper body) were scratches through last week. Ryan Campbell remains on the 14-Day IR (shoulder), but is eligible to return. Bria, Makway, and Campbell could all see the ice before the end of the week.

Up Next

Wichita prepares for another stretch of four games in five nights. Wichita hosts Tulsa on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. The Thunder is at Mississippi on Friday and at Missouri on Saturday. The team returns to Wichita on Sunday to host Arizona at 5:05 p.m. 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 February 22, 2010


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