Thunder increase first place lead
Published on December 13, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
MEMPHIS KNOCKS OFF THUNDER IN THIRD PERIOD- The Thunder outshot Memphis 35-11 through two periods but could only manage a 2-2 tie, then allowed Memphis to come away with two third period goals and a 4-2 win on Friday at the Kansas Coliseum. Paul Esdale and Jason Duda scored Wichita's goals as the Thunder outshot the RiverKings 44-22 for the game.
THUNDER END LOSING STREAK, EXTEND WINNING STREAK- The Thunder veterans scored all four goals, leading Wichita to a 4-2 win at Oklahoma City on Saturday and snapping Wichita's five-game losing streak. Travis Clayton led the Thunder with two goals, while Jason Duda and Joe Blaznek also scored. Goaltender Jamie Vandespyker earned the victory, making 41 saves. The win was Wichita's ninth straight over Oklahoma City, the Thunder's longest winning streak ever versus a CHL opponent and the Blazers longest ever losing streak to a CHL opponent.
THUNDER BUILD BIG LEAD, EDGE MUDBUGS- The Thunder jumped out to a 4-0 lead, then hung on for a 5-3 victory over Bossier Shreveport on Sunday at the Kansas Coliseum. Joe Blaznek, Paul Esdale, Chad Mazurak and Les Hrapchak gave the Thunder the lead before the Mudbugs stormed back with three straight power play goals in the third period. Travis Clayton sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, making a winner out of goaltender Jason Flick. The win increased Wichita's first place lead to three points over Colorado and New Mexico.
ALL-STAR GAME UPDATE- The head coaches for the 2005 CHL All-Star Game will be announced next Sunday Night, based on best winning percentage. Colorado's Chris Stewart currently holds a slight edge over Thunder head coach Derek Laxdal. With three wins this weekend, the Thunder would claim the best winning percentage in the CHL. The starting lineups will be named on December 22nd, with the reserves announced on December 29th. The CHL All-Star Game will take place on Wednesday, January 12th in Laredo, Texas.
THUNDERBOLTS- Rookie Jason Flick ranks second among CHL goaltenders with a 2.21 goals against average...Wichita is third in the CHL with a 2.52 goals against average...Veteran Jason Duda is now third in the CHL with 32 points and tied for the CHL-lead with 22 assists...Veteran Travis Clayton is sixth in the CHL with 30 points...Paul Esdale leads all CHL defensemen with nine goals, seven power play goals and ranks third with 17 points...Rookie Derek Parker leads the CHL with 156 penalty minutes and is second with 14 major penalties...The Thunder power play unit is third in the CHL, at 18.1%...Travis Clayton will be the guest on the Thunder TV Coach's Show, taped tonight at 5:00 PM at BG Bolton's, 21st and Maize Road...The Thunder Coach's Show will air Saturday at Noon, followed by a replay of Thursday's game in Topeka...Friday's home game versus Topeka will air next Saturday at 12:30 PM on Cox Cable Channel 22.
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS:
Friday, December 10- Memphis 4 at Wichita 2 Loss
Saturday, December 11- Wichita 4 at Oklahoma City 2 Win
Sunday, December 12- Bossier-Shreveport 3 at Wichita 5 Win
THIS WEEK'S GAMES:
Thursday, December 16- Wichita at Topeka 7:05 PM
Friday, December 17- Topeka at Wichita 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 18- Colorado at Wichita 7:30 PM
Central Hockey League Stories from December 13, 2004
- Periard 'Making the Cut' - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Scorpions visit South-leading San Angelo - New Mexico Scorpions
- Symington Selected As CHL Oakley Goalie Of The Week - Laredo Bucks
- RiverKings make roster moves, goalie Racine returns - Mississippi RiverKings
- Clayton Named Oakley CHL Player of Week - Wichita Thunder
- Oakley CHL Player & Goaltender of the Week Announced - CHL
- Gorillas continue outstanding work in community - Amarillo Gorillas
- Gorillas extend unbeaten string to five games - Amarillo Gorillas
- Eagles week in review - Colorado Eagles
- Rayz split a pair on the road - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Thunder increase first place lead - Wichita Thunder
- Bucks Out & About - Laredo Bucks
- No rally this time in loss to Blazers, Parsons at 999 - Mississippi RiverKings
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