CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Set For Busy Week At Home

October 30, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


BLAZERS KNOCK OFF THUNDER AGAIN- The Blazers broke open a 2-1 game with three third period goals, rolling to a 5-1 win on Saturday in Oklahoma City. Dominic D'Amour scored Wichita's lone goal, on the power play.

SLOW START- The Thunder has dropped their first two games in regulation for only the second time in franchise history. The 2002-03 Thunder lost their first four games in regulation, starting the season 0-6-2. The only other Thunder team to start slow was the 2000-01 squad, which started 0-1-1.

THUNDER PILING UP THE SHOTS- One positive for the Thunder this season is the number of chances they are generating. Wichita has outshot their opponents in both games and in five of the six periods. The Thunder ranks second in the CHL, averaging 40 shots per game, while they have allowed just 30 shots per game, fifth best in the CHL.

D'AMOUR FIRES AWAY- Defenseman Dominic D'Amour racked up 15 shots on goal on Saturday, tying several players for the second most shots in a CHL game. Wichita's Paul Jackson set the CHL record with 19 shots (one goal) on January 30, 1994 vs. Oklahoma City. Tulsa's Luc Beausoleil tied the CHL record with 19 on March 20, 1998. After just two games, D'Amour leads all CHL defensemen with 22 shots.

ROSTER MOVES- Forward Kyle Bruce and Defenseman Erick Tremblay received their P-1 Visas and made their Thunder debuts on Saturday. Forward Mike Batovanja is still awaiting his visa from immigration, but is expected in the lineup this week. The Thunder also added 6-3, 210-pound forward Ladislav Kouba today. A seventh round draft pick of the Phoenix Coyotes in 2002 (216th overall), Kouba split last season with the Laredo Bucks and Arizona Sundogs, recording 16 goals and 32 points in 53 games. Kouba's best season came in 2005-06, when he piled up 26 goals and 53 points in 61 games with the Bucks. In 186 career games, Kouba has notched 55 goals and 113 points.

DUDA DOWN- Thunder veteran forward Jason Duda suffered a knee injury in practice last week and will be sidelined about six weeks. Duda, the all-time Thunder leader with 476 assists was placed on 30-day IR.

MILESTONES- With his assist on Saturday, Travis Clayton is now 15 points shy of 800 for his career. With 310, Clayton needs just three goals to pass Paul Jackson for second in Thunder history.

THUDERBOLTS- Jon Horrell ranks second among CHL goaltenders with a 1.03 goals against average...Wichita leads the CHL, averaging 46 penalty minutes per game...The Thunder ranks 16th on the power play (6.3%) and 15th in penalty killing (70.6%)...Wichita has outscored their opponents 1-0 in the third period.

PROMOTIONS- Wednesday's game, presented by The Rede, will feature a Halloween costume contest with prizes for the top adult and child costumes. Candy will be available for all kids in attendance. It is also Dick's Winning Wednesday. Tickets are buy-one-get-one with a proof of purchase from Dick's Sporting Goods (minimum $5). On Friday and Saturday, the first 5,000 fans will receive a Thunder Schedule refrigerator magnet courtesy of Red Robin, KAKE TV, Great Clips, Green Mill, Crazy Jay's Bed Shop and Red Wing Shoe Store.

LAST WEEK'S GAMES:

Saturday, October 30- Wichita 1 at Oklahoma City 5 Loss

THIS WEEK'S GAMES:

Wednesday, October 31- Texas at Wichita 7:05 PM

Friday, November 2- Youngstown at Wichita 7:05 PM

Saturday, November 3- Oklahoma City at Wichita 7:05 PM

PRACTICE SCHEDULE:

Tuesday-Friday Kansas Coliseum 10:00 AM

METAL BLADE RECORDS PLAYER OF THE WEEK- Defenseman Dominic D'Amour 1 Goal, 15 shots

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics



Central Hockey League Stories from October 30, 2007


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