CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder maintains first with pair of wins

Published on December 20, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


THUNDER SPLIT PAIR WITH TOPEKA- The Thunder spread around the scoring and goaltender Jamie Vandespyker made 31 saves, leading Wichita to a 4-1 win at Topeka on Thursday. Travis Clayton, Joe Blaznek, Tyler Liebel and Mike Carter picked up Wichita's goals. The following night, Topeka got an amazing performance from rookie goaltender Tyson Gajda, who made 49 saves and led the Tarantulas to a 4-2 win at the Kansas Coliseum. Scott Allison and Jason Duda scored goals for the Thunder.

THUNDER DOMINATE EAGLES, MAINTAIN FIRST PLACE LEAD- The Thunder outshot Colorado 27-12 over the final two periods, coming away with a 2-1 win over the Eagles on Saturday night at the Coliseum. Tyler Liebel and Joe Blaznek scored Wichita's goals, making a winner out of Jamie Vandespyker, who recorded 28 saves. The victory helped Wichita maintain a three-point first place lead over the Eagles.

BIG WEEKEND FOR LIEBEL, SMOKIN' JOE- After missing 17 games due to injury, rookie speedster Tyler Liebel returned from 45-day injured reserve and played a key part in Wichita's two wins this week. Liebel scored on breakaways both Thursday and Saturday nights, for his first two pro goals. Liebel was Wichita's most physical player all weekend and also recorded a fighting major. Veteran Joe Blaznek also showed why he is a key part of Wichita's success. Blaznek has scored a goal in four of the last five games and had the game-winner in both Thunder wins this weekend. The Thunder are now 6-0-0 this season when Blaznek scores a goal.

STEWART EDGES LAXDAL FOR ALL-STAR GAME HONORS- Despite guiding Wichita to the most wins and points in the CHL, Thunder head coach Derek Laxdal will not get the nod for the CHL All-Star Game. That honor will go to Colorado Eagles' head coach Chris Stewart, based on best winning percentage. With a .714 winning percentage, Colorado holds the edge over Wichita at .688. The starting lineups will be named on Wednesday, with the reserves announced next Wednesday, December 29th. The CHL All-Star Game will take place on Wednesday, January 12th in Laredo, Texas. Former Thunder player and Lubbock first-year head coach, Chris Dashney, will guide the Southern Conference.

THUNDERBOLTS- Rookie Jason Flick missed Saturday's game due to illness and is questionable for Tuesday...Veterans Jason Duda and Travis Clayton are tied for fourth in the CHL with 33 points...Clayton is tied for the CHL-lead with 23 assists, one ahead of Duda...Paul Esdale leads all CHL defensemen with nine goals, seven power play goals and ranks third with 19 points...Rookie Derek Parker leads the CHL with 172 penalty minutes and is second with 16 major penalties...Tyler Liebel 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 will play their next four games on the road, before returning home to host Tulsa on New Year's Eve at 6:00 PM...The Thunder will host Colorado on New Year's Day at 5:00 PM.

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS:
Thursday, December 16- Wichita 4 at Topeka 1 Win
Friday, December 17- Topeka 4 at Wichita 2 Loss
Saturday, December 18- Colorado 1 at Wichita 2 Win

THIS WEEK'S GAMES:
Tuesday, December 21- Wichita at Oklahoma City 7:05 PM
Saturday, December 25- Wichita at Topeka 7:35 PM
Sunday, December 26- Wichita at Tulsa 3:00 PM

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

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 20, 2004


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