Thunder Splits Four Games
Published on February 22, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
The Wichita Thunder took four of eight points in recent action. The Thunder shutout the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 3-0 at the Century Tel Center on Tuesday. Marc-Antoine Gelinas worked his fourth shutout of the season, making a career-best 38 saves. Aaron Davis provided early offense with his third shorthanded goal of the year. Troy Schwab and Robin Richards also scored.
The Thunder rolled to a 5-2 win versus the Mississippi RiverKings on Friday, their first in four head-to-head tries this season. Jesse Bennefield led the offense, scoring two goals and two assists. Troy Schwab collected three points, while Kory Scoran and A.J. Gale each had two. Marc-Antoine Gelinas was 19 of 21 in the win.
Wichita fell 5-1 to the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday night. The Thunder had a season-high 53 shots while allowing a season-low 12, but a three-goal first by the Oilers proved more than enough. Former Thunder netminder Ian Keserich saved 52 of 53 in the win. Matt Robinson scored Wichita's lone goal. Kevin Beech was seven of eight over the final two periods in relief of Marc-Antoine Gelinas.
The Thunder lost 4-1 to the Texas Brahmas on Monday night in North Richland Hills, TX. After taking an early 1-0 lead, the Brahmas scored four unanswered goals, including three on the power play, to pick up the win. Kevin Beech saved 29 of 33 and also stymied a third period penalty shot while taking the tough loss. Andrew Martens scored the Thunder's lone goal.
Tough Schedule
Including Monday's game at Texas, the Thunder plays the Brahmas, Colorado Eagles, and Rapid City Rush two games apiece over their next six. Texas and Colorado opened the week in second place in the Berry and Turner Conferences respectively. The Rush have won 13 games in a row and lead the Turner.
Offensive Thunder
The Thunder is averaging 3.70 goals per game, second most in the CHL.
Team Defense
The Thunder has allowed just 28.26 shots per game, fourth fewest in the league.
Thunder Ironmen
After 50 games played this season, the Thunder has had six players appear in every contest. They are Chris Greene, Jesse Bennefield, Travis Wight, and Lance Galbraith.
Robinson Lighting the Lamp
Left wing Matt Robinson is tied for third in the league with 30 goals scored. Robinson has scored 29 of them in just 41 games with Wichita. Robinson is also 14th in the league with 56 points.
Bennefield Among CHL's Best
Right wing Jesse Bennefield ranks tied for ninth in the league with 63 points and tied for eighth with 28 goals. Over the last three seasons, all spent in the CHL, Bennefield has 87 goals and 193 points in 164 games.
Gale Having Stellar Season
Right wing A.J. Gale is tied for 15th in the league with 55 points, and tied for 20th with 22 goals. Gale has had three point streaks this season of seven or more games and was the CHL's Player of the Month for December.
Dynamic D-Man
Defenseman Andrew Martens is fifth in the league among blue liners with 40 points and tied for first with 13 goals. Martens scored four goals in one game on February 5th at Fort Wayne.
Rookie Netminder Excels
Rookie goaltender Marc-Antoine Gelinas ranks 11th in the league with a 2.78 goals against averave, 15th with a .900 save percentage, and tied for third with 21 wins. Gelinas is also tied for the league lead with four shutouts, a new Thunder single-season record.
Roster Notes
Center Bobby Hughes is on the 10-Day IR. Center Matt Hubbauer is on the 30-Day IR. Marty Magers is on Goaltender IR. Left wing Brent Cullaton is on team suspension.
Catch the Thunder All Season
All 66 Thunder games are broadcast on either 93.5 FM KWME or 1550 AM KKLE. You can also listen to each game on the internet at www.kleyam.com Emerson Biggin's West (located at 21st and Maize) is the Thunder's official watch party sponsor of all road games. Thunder food and drink specials will be offered throughout the season.
Up Next
The Thunder and Brahmas square off again Wednesday night at the INTRUST Bank Arena at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday is Bombardier Learjet Buy-In Night. Following the game, there will be a postgame party at Emerson Biggin's West, located at 21st and Maize.
The Thunder concludes the week Saturday night at Colorado for an 8:05 p.m. game.
For tickets, call the arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or visit the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from February 22, 2011
- Mudbugs Sting Killer Bees in South Texas - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Americans Earn 'X' in Standings with 4-3 Win over Bucks - Allen Americans
- Bucks Rally Falls Short - Laredo Bucks
- Killer Bees Defeated by Mudbugs 4-1 - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Bloomington Pushes Dayton's Losing Streak To Three - Dayton Gems
- PrairieThunder Wins Third in a Row at Dayton on Tuesday Night - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- RiverKings Part of Captains for Courage Initiative - Mississippi RiverKings
- Colorado Eagles Assistant Coach Suspended - CHL
- Battochio Earns Second Oakley CHL Goaltender of the Week Award - Rapid City Rush
- Oakley CHL Goaltender of the Week Announced - CHL
- RiverKings Waive Jeff Christian - Mississippi RiverKings
- Sundogs 'Salute to Heroes' Night Saturday, March 5 - Arizona Sundogs
- Sundogs Announce $1 Margarita Night on March 4 - Arizona Sundogs
- Thunder Splits Four Games - Wichita Thunder
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