CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder just one point out of Playoff Spot

Published on March 1, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


THUNDER POUND SCORPIONS- The Thunder jumped out to a 5-2 first period lead, and rolled to a season-high six goals, knocking off the Scorpions, 6-3, in New Mexico on Tuesday. Adam Calder had two goals, as 10 different players picked up points for the Thunder. Wichita finished the season 4-0-1 versus New Mexico.

THUNDER COMEBACK FALLS SHORT VERSUS ICE- Trailing 2-1 in the third period, the Thunder tied Indianapolis on a goal by Travis Clayton, however; Bernie John scored a late power play goal to lead Indianapolis to a 3-2 win at the Kansas Coliseum on Wednesday. The Thunder finished the season just 1-6-0 versus Indianapolis.

LATE HEROICS LEAD THUNDER PAST EAGLES, COTTON KINGS- Trailing 3-1 with less than 11 minutes remaining, the Thunder scored three goals 3:12 apart to stun the Eagles on Friday night in Colorado. Jason Duda and Peter Runkel brought the Thunder back, before Joe Blaznek scored the game-winner, as the Thunder outshot Colorado 17-3 in the third period. Goaltender Nathan Grobins picked up the victory, making 22 saves. On Sunday in Lubbock, Chris Low scored a minute into the third period, helping the Thunder tie the Cotton Kings at 2-2. In overtime, the Thunder outshot Lubbock 4-0 and Joe Blaznek scored another game-winner with just 28 seconds to play. Since joining the Thunder at the CHL All-Star break, Blaznek has scored six goals in the third period or overtime to tie or win games for the Thunder. With Sunday's victory, the Thunder finished the month of February with a record of 9-3-0, the best February record in Thunder history.

LUCKY SEVEN- With two more come-from-behind wins last week, the Thunder have now won a CHL-best seven games this season when trailing after two periods. Amazingly, the Thunder are 7-5-0 since January 9th, when trailing in the third period. Sunday's victory also moved Wichita's record to a perfect 7-0 this season in overtime. With seven games to go, the Thunder trail both Indianapolis and Memphis by just one point. Two of the three teams will qualify for the postseason. The Thunder have not made the playoffs since the 1999-2000 campaign.

THUNDERBOLTS- Goaltender Nathan Grobins is now tied for the CHL-lead with 29 victories...Adam Calder, who ranks fourth in the CHL with 32 goals, missed both games this weekend and hopes to return to the lineup on Wednesday...Rookie Ryan Olynyk is second in the CHL with 29 major penalties...The Thunder are 22-5-2 when scoring the first goal of the game...Wichita is a CHL-best 22-9-4 in one-goal games...The Thunder are allowing just 28.6 shots per game, second best in the CHL...The Thunder have won four straight road games.

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS:
Tuesday, February 24- Wichita 6 at New Mexico 3 Win
Wednesday, February 25- Indianapolis 3 at Wichita 2 Loss
Friday, February 27- Wichita 4 at Colorado 3 Win
Sunday, February 29- Wichita 3 at Lubbock 2 Win (OT)

THIS WEEK'S GAMES:
Wednesday, March 3- Oklahoma City at Wichita 7:00 PM AM 1070
Friday, March 5- Amarillo at Wichita 7:30 PM AM 1070
Sunday, March 7- Laredo at Wichita 6:00 PM AM 1070

PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
Tuesday-Friday Kansas Coliseum 10:00 AM

THIS WEEK'S PROMOTIONS:
Thursday- Thunder Players at Dick's Sporting Goods East 6:00-7:00 PM
Saturday- Thunder Players at Dillard's Towne East 12:00-1:00 PM
Saturday- Wheelchair Hockey Game, North High Gym 3:00-4:00 PM

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 1, 2004


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