Thunder Has Tough Week
Published on March 1, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
The Wichita Thunder went 0-3-1 last week, beginning with a 5-1 loss against the Tulsa Oilers on Wednesday at home. The teams played a scoreless first, but Tulsa surged ahead with three in the second. Jake Riddle scored a hat trick for Tulsa, while Tyler Butler had three assists. Ian Keserich stopped 37 of 42 in the loss.
The Thunder fell 7-1 to the Mississippi RiverKings on Friday night at the DeSoto Civic Center. Again, the contest featured a scorless first period. Mississippi however, rattled off seven straight goals, including six in the second period alone. Darrell Stoddard and Ryan Held each had four points. Keserich saved 29 of 34 before being relieved by Scott Campbell who was four of six. Former Thunder goaltender Tim Boron stopped 35 of 36 for the win.
Wichita earned their lone point last week in a 4-3 overtime loss at Missouri. Wichita scored twice in the first and held a 2-0 advantage until late in the second when the Mavericks netted two goals to tie the game. Missouri took a 3-2 lead early in the third, but Tomas Klempa delivered a clutch game-tying goal with 2:28 left in regulation. Jared Lavender scored the game-winner 27 seconds into overtime. It was the Thunder's sixth game beyond regulation this season, but their first decided in sudden death. Klempa scored three points and finished +3.
The Thunder lost 5-3 to the Arizona Sundogs back at home on Sunday evening. Bobby Hughes scored for a second straight night, but his tally was bookended by two pairs of Sundogs goals. Trailing 4-1 after the first, the Thunder clawed within one on a last minute goal from Ryan Campbell in the second and an early score from Tomas Klempa in the third. Steve Potvin's power play goal later in the third gave the Sundogs enough insurance to hold on. Scott Campbell gave the Thunder a chance to comeback, saving 20 of 21 in relief of Ian Keserich.
Hughes Has Hot Start
Newly signed center Bobby Hughes is off to a terrific start with the Thunder. The former Carolina Hurricanes' fourth round draft pick scored a goal in his Thunder debut on Saturday and followed that up with a multi-point performance on Sunday versus Arizona. Hughes was assigned by the New York Islanders.
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 saw significant action at the blue line last week. Wichita has not had six natural defensemen in their lineup since February 12th, a span of 11 games.
Thunder Iron Men
Joel Hanson is the Thunder's only player to have appeared in all 54 games this season. The Thunder has had at least one player appear in every regular season game in each year of its history, with the exception of 1998-99. Brent Ottmann ranks second with 53.
Player Notes
Rookie left wing Tomas Klempa has three goals and four points in his last two games. Second-year right wing Joel Hanson has six points in his last eight games and is +3 over his last two.
Penalty Kill Rebounding
After allowing three power play goals against Mississippi two weeks ago, Wichita is 35 for 39 (89.7%) in their last seven games while shorthanded. The Thunder ranks sixth in the league at 83.7%.
Makway Out
Steve Makway has been suspended indefinitely by the CHL due to an altercation in Mississippi last Friday. Makway has currently served two games.
Injury Report
Brett Beauchamp returned to the lineup on Sunday after missing three games due to a concussion. Mark Adamek (upper body) and JR Bria (lower body) remain on the 14-Day IR. AJ Bozoian left Sunday's game with a lower body injury and is out indefinitely.
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 plays four road games this week against the top two teams in the Northern Conference. Wichita faces first place Rapid City on Tuesday and Wednesday before heading to Colorado to take on the second place Eagles on Saturday and Sunday. All four games start at 8:05 p.m. and can be heard live worldwide at www.wichitathunder.com and www.allinbroadcasting.com The Thunder returns home on Wednesday, March 10th when they host the Colorado Eagles at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
Central Hockey League Stories from March 1, 2010
- Shots From The Point - CHL
- Colorado Eagles Week In Review - Colorado Eagles
- Join Us Tomorrow For College Night At 7:05 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Allen Americans Weekly Notes - Allen Americans
- Laredo's Sylvain Deschatelets and Missouri's Charlie Effinger Win Weekly Awards - CHL
- Mudbugs Weekly - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Mavericks Weekly - Kansas City Mavericks
- Brahmas To Wait Tables For Charity Tomorrow At Hooters - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Bucks' Deschatelets Named Player Of The Week - Laredo Bucks
- Home Season Ends - Tulsa Oilers
- Bucks To Hold Ladies Hockey 101 March 8th - Laredo Bucks
- Sundogs To Visit Elementary Schools, Celebrate Read Across America Week - Arizona Sundogs
- RiverKings Weekly Update - Mississippi RiverKings
- Bucks Host Allen Thursday In Playoff Push - Laredo Bucks
- Sundogs Notes - Arizona Sundogs
- Thunder Moves Office - Wichita Thunder
- Jacks To Honor Former Coach Saturday - Odessa Jackalopes
- Thunder Has Tough Week - Wichita Thunder
- King's Hat Trick Boosts Rapid City To 5-2 Victory Over Eagles - Rapid City Rush
- Eagles Make Playoffs Despite King's HT - Colorado Eagles
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