CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Loses Three Close Games

March 9, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Wichita Thunder lost three close games last weekend, battling through a road trip that saw three games in three nights in three different cities. The Thunder opened its trip on Thursday losing 3-1 to the Oklahoma City Blazers at the Ford Center. The Blazers powered their way to a 3-0 lead just 9:39 into the game. Joel Hanson helped the Thunder get closer, scoring at 15:29 in the first on a power play. However, neither team was able to score through the second and third periods, allowing the Blazers to hold on. John Daigneau saved 33 of 36 in the loss, marking the fourth time in five games that he has made at least 30 saves.

The following night, the Thunder finished its season series with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, falling 1-0. Tyrel Lucas scored the game's only goal at 1:46 in the second period, while Ken Carroll saved all 27 Thunder shots to pick up the shutout victory. Krister Toews, who turned 26 that day, saved 25 of 26 in the tough loss. It marked the seventh time this season Wichita had been shutout, as well as the second time this season that the Thunder lost 1-0 to the Mudbugs.

The trip concluded Saturday night in wild match against the Tulsa Oilers at the BOK Center, with the Oilers coming back to defeat the Thunder 6-5. Wichita jumped out to a 2-0 lead 5:29 into the game thanks to goals from Marc Belanger and Chris Tarkir. The Oilers then rallied to score three straight and never trailed the rest of the game. Down 3-2 in the second, Brad Thompson tied the game for the Thunder at 10:47, only to see the Oilers score two more to take a 5-3 lead. Andrew Davis made it a one-goal game, scoring with just 53 seconds left in the second period. Troy Ofukany tied things for Wichita again, scoring at 9:39 in the third, but Brendon Hodge's power play goal at 11:11 proved to be the game-winner for Tulsa. Krister Toews saved 39 of 45 in the loss. Mike Zbriger finished with three assists, while Belanger added an assist to finish the night with two points.

Player Notes

Marc Belanger has six points, including four goals in his last seven games. Mike Zbriger has 15 points in his last 17 games, and had a season-best three points on Saturday at Tulsa. Brad Thompson has six points in his last six games, and has 13 points in 14 games since returning from the IR on February 6th. Joel Hanson has 15 points in his last 15 games, including eight goals.

Thunder Ironman

Though the Thunder has been slowed by many injuries this season, defenseman Jason Tessier has found a way to play in all 58 games. Tessier leads all Thunder defensemen with 29 points, and is tied for first among all CHL defensemen with five game-winning goals.

Youth Serving

The Thunder currently has nine rookies on its roster, eight of which are in their first professional season. Three of Wichita's rookies have reached double digits in goals scored, including Troy Ofukany (15), Joel Hanson (14), and Jordan Hack (11), the most on a Thunder team since 1998-99 when rookies John Kachur, Kevin Powell, Thomas Migdal, and Nolan Weir all eclipsed 10 goals. Chris Shudo (9), Chris Tarkir (9), and Marc Belanger (6) each have the chance to reach 10 goals with the Thunder before the end of the season as well. The franchise record for most rookies with 10 or more goals is eight, set back in the Thunder's first season in 1992-93.

10th Annual Wheelchair Game on March 16th

The Wichita Thunder will participate in the 10th annual Thunder vs. Plunder Wheelchair Hockey Game on Monday, March 16th at the Wichita State University Heskett Center. Several Thunder "legends" will be on hand that night to participate in the game. The jerseys worn by the Thunder will be auctioned off following the game, and will also have been worn during Wichita's game versus Texas three nights earlier on March 13th. The game begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children, and will be on sale at every Thunder home game through March 14th.

Injury Update

Defenseman Pascal Bedard was added to the Season-Ending IR last week. Bedard injured his shoulder in last Sunday's game versus Bossier-Shreveport. Bedard joins Tim Boron (hip), Greg Cassista (knee), Stan Yanchishyn (ankle), Mike Batovanja (knee), and Connor MacDonald (shoulder) as Thunder players who have had their seasons cut short due to injury. Jonathan Bernier (foot) has been on the 30-Day IR since January 6th.

Up Next

The Thunder plays two home games this weekend, hosting the Texas Brahmas on Friday and the Odessa Jackalopes on Saturday. Both games at the Kansas Coliseum begin at 7:05 p.m. On Friday, the first 1,000 fans 12 and under will receive a souvenir youth jersey, courtesy of Intrust Bank, the Kansas Underground Salt Museum, and 100.5 FM "The Wolf". For Saturday's game, the first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a 2008-09 Thunder Team Photo, courtesy of Allegiant Air, Preferred Health Systems, TMX Aerospace, and 360 Wichita. There will also be a jersey auction during Saturday's game for special Newman University jerseys that the Thunder will wear during their contest versus Odessa. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics



Central Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2009


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