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CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Salvage Point in 0-2-1 Week

December 15, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Thunder lost 4-0 to the Oklahoma City Blazers on Tuesday night at the Ford Center. Krister Toews took the loss in goal, saving 22 of 26 shots. Wichita outshot the Blazers 27 to 26 in the loss, and went 5 for 5 on the penalty kill. Wichita's power play was 0 for 8.

Wichita returned to the Ford Center on Friday night and dropped a 3-1 decision to the Blazers. The Thunder grabbed a 1-0 lead on Andrew Davis's second goal of the year at 15:35 in the first period on the power play. Troy Ofukany and Pascal Bedard picked up assists on the goal. However, Blazers' forwards Bill and Ted Vandemeer bookended the second period with power play goals of their own at 6:53 and 15:51 respectively. Bill Vandemeer scored again at 18:32 in the third period to put the game away for Oklahoma City. Wichita finished the night with a season-low 15 shots on goal. Tim Boron took the tough loss, saving a season-high 39 shots.

The Thunder was shutout for the third time in five games on Saturday vs. Rocky Mountain in a 1-0 shootout loss. Again, Boron starred picking up his first shutout of the season. Boron stopped all 28 of Rocky Mountain's shots during regulation and overtime. Rage forward Aaron Davis was the only shootout participant to find the back of the net, beating Boron with a backhander in Rocky Mountain's third attempt. Wichita went 0 for 5 in the shootout. The loss was Wichita's sixth in a row, their longest losing streak of the season.

Boron Has Been Dominant

Tim Boron's 28 save shutout in Wichita's 1-0 shootout loss vs. Rocky Mountain on Friday was the fourth of his professional career. With 481 minutes, Boron now qualifies for the CHL league leaders. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native ranks fifth in the league in both goals against average (2.37) and save percentage (.927). Boron has allowed three or fewer goals in seven of his eight starts, while making 28 or more saves also in seven of his eight starts.

Looking for Offense

The Thunder is in search of an offensive spark, having been shutout three times in the last five games. Wichita has scored just two goals in that stretch, the lowest five-game output in team history. The Thunder has suffered three or more shutouts in a single season just three other times in their history. Wichita currently ranks last in the CHL in goals for (55) and goals per game (2.39). The Thunder is 15th on the power play at 14.4%.

Plenty of Extra Hockey

Wichita has played five overtime games this season, three of which have gone to a shootout. The Thunder is 1-1 in overtime and 2-1 in shootouts. Last season, Wichita played just six overtime games all season, and did not reach overtime until December 14th.

Thompson Voted Captain

Brad Thompson has been voted captain of the Wichita Thunder by his teammates. Thompson had been serving as an alternate captain for home games alongside Chris Greene. Mike Batovanja was named team captain at the beginning of the season, but has not played since October 18th due to a knee injury suffered against Oklahoma City. Known for his hard work and team-first attitude, Thompson began the season as a defenseman before moving back to his customary position at center. Thompson served a similar dual role at the end of last season. The Brooklyn Park, Minnesota native has four goals and six assists in 23 games this season. Bryan Nathe will take Thompson's place as alternate captain at home games, also voted on by the Thunder players.

Shots Still Not Adding Up

After outshooting the Rage 31 to 29 on Saturday, but losing the game 1-0 in a shootout, the Thunder fell to 0-7-2 when outshooting their opponents. Wichita is 6-8-0 when outshot.

Teddy Bear Toss a Success

The Thunder hosted its seventh annual Teddy Bear Toss for Charity on Saturday vs. Rocky Mountain. 1,669 bears were thrown onto the ice, breaking the previous record of 1,629 set last year.

Injury Update

Wichita has been able to field a full 18-man roster over the last three games with the addition of forward Joel Hanson and the return of Jonathan Bernier from the IR. Wichita went 10 consecutive games without an 18-man lineup due to injuries from November 14th through December 6th. Stan Yanchishyn and Jason Duda were both placed on the 14-Day IR last week with undisclosed injuries. Chris Shudo (upper body) was moved from the 14-Day IR to the 30-Day IR, joining Mike Batovanja who continues to rehab from an early-season knee injury. Luke Hunter was removed from the 14-Day IR and granted a leave of absence to recover from an eye injury.

Up Next

Wichita continues their homestand this weekend, welcoming the Mississippi Riverkings on Friday night, and the Rapid City Rush on Saturday night. Both games start at 7:05 p.m. at the Kansas Coliseum. On Friday, Natural Light cans will be sold for just $1.50. Saturday, fans will have the chance to win free gas when Presto Convenience Stores hosts Petrol Palooza at the Coliseum. Following Saturday's game, there will be a postgame party at the Coliseum in the Coors Light VIP Room. Players will be on hand to sign autographs. For tickets, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL.

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