Thunder Splits in Preseason
October 13, 2010 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
The Wichita Thunder opened their exhibition schedule with a 7-6 win over the Tulsa Oilers at the Wichita Ice Center on Friday. Five Thunder players had multi-point nights. Jesse Bennefield had two goals and an assist while Chris Falloon had a goal and two assists. Bobby Hughes and Brent Cullaton each had a goal and an assist. Matt Hubbauer had three assists. Mark Sibbald earned the win for the Thunder, saving eight of 11 in relief of Ian Keserich.
The Thunder dropped an 8-3 decision to the Oilers the following night at the Oilers' Ice Center. Tulsa's Michel Beausolei scored a hat trick to lead their offense. Wichita received scores from Ryan Driscoll, Chris Greene, and Shane Foster. Marty Magers absorbed the loss in net, stopping 10 of 16 shots.
McClelland Era Begins Friday
Four-time Stanley Cup Champion and former Central Hockey League Coach of the Year Kevin McClelland begins his tenure as the 12th Head Coach in Thunder history on Friday when Wichita opens the 2010-11 season at Tulsa. McClelland enters his sixth season as a professional Head Coach with an impressive 187-107-26 (.625) record. McClelland has reached the CHL playoffs each of the last four seasons and was named the league's Coach of the Year in 2007.
Thunder to Honor Legend
Jason Duda, the Thunder's all-time leader in every major offensive category, will be honored prior to Saturday's home opener versus Tulsa. Duda served as Head Coach most of last season after a back injury forced him out of action in late-October. Duda officially retired in April when he was introduced as Kevin McClelland's Assistant Coach. Duda is the franchise leader in games played (730), goals (337), assists (533), points (870), hat tricks (11), overtime goals (7), shootout goals (21), playoff games (66), playoff assists (47), and playoff points (72). Festivities will culminate with the retirement of Duda's signature number '11'.
New Faces
As of Wednesday, the Thunder has only three players remaining from last year's squad. They are Bobby Hughes, Ian Keserich, and Jason Woll.
Conference Realignment
The Central Hockey League underwent significant realignment this summer, including the addition of five new teams. The Thunder now plays in the Turner Conference (formerly the CHL's Northern Conference) along with returning CHL foes Colorado, Missouri, and Rapid City. The Turner Conference also includes new league members Bloomington, Dayton, Evansville, Fort Wayne, and Quad City. The conference honors IHL icon Joe Turner whom the league's championship trophy was named for. The remaining teams compete in the Berry Conference (formerly the CHL's Southern Conference), honoring CHL Commissioner Emeritus Tom Berry.
Rivalry Renewed
Although the Thunder and Oilers are in different conferences for the first time in their respective 19-year histories, the two rivals are scheduled to play 11 times this season, including a home-and-home series opening weekend.
Milestone Watch
Several Thunder players are in reach of significant career milestones, some of which could be attained this weekend. Jesse Bennefield is one assist shy of 200. Brent Cullaton is 14 goals away from 300. Chris Falloon needs 18 points for 100. Matt Hubbauer is seven goals away from 100 and 20 assists away from 100. Kory Scoran needs 11 assists for 100. Daniel Tetrault is one goal short from 100. Rookies Ryan Driscoll and Peter Stevens will make their professional debuts this season.
Up Next
Following Friday's season opener, the Thunder play their first home game of the season Saturday, October 16th versus Tulsa at the INTRUST Bank Arena. A pre-game celebration of Jason Duda's career will take place prior to the 7:05 p.m. opening faceoff. Following the game, fans can meet Thunder players and coaches at Emerson Biggin's West, located at 21st and Maize. For tickets, call the INTRUST Bank Arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or visit the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com.
American Association Stories from October 13, 2010
- Pelicans Part Of 14 Team League During 2011 Season - Pensacola Pelicans
- American Association Welcomes Four Teams - Wichita Wingnuts
- Pelicans Release On Four New Teams Added To American Association - Pensacola Pelicans
- Four Clubs Added To American Association - El Paso Diablos
- American Association Expands to 14 Teams, Will Play 100-Game Schedule - St. Paul Saints
- RailCats Join American Association - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Back-To-Back Northern League Champs Move to New Circuit - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- American Association Adds Four Clubs - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Four Clubs Added to American Association - AA
- Thunder Splits in Preseason - Wichita Wingnuts
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