Thunder Splits Weekend in Wichita
Published on December 13, 2010 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
The Wichita Thunder split two home games last weekend, beginning with a 5-1 victory over the Fort Wayne Komets on Friday night. Bobby Hughes' four points paced the Thunder's offense while Marc-Antoine Gelinas saved 24 of 25 for the win. Troy Schwab had three assists in the game. Daniel Tetrault scored the 100th goal of his professional career. Wichita went 5 for 5 on penalty kill chances.
The Thunder lost 7-4 to the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday night. After taking a 2-1 lead in the second, the Oilers rallied for three unanswered goals and never trailed again. A.J. Gale, Robin Richards, Troy Schwab, and Kory Scoran scored for the Thunder, with Gale and Scoran each adding an assist. The loss snapped the Thunder's 10-game streak of collecting at least one point at home.
IBA Advantage
The Thunder is tied for first in the CHL with eight wins and 18 points at home this season. From October 29th-December 10th, the Thunder collected at least one point in 10 consecutive home games.
Power Play Clicking
Wichita's power play unit is 19 for 81 (23.5%) in its last 15 games and ranks sixth best in the league at 19.1% for the season. The Thunder has scored at least one power play goal in 10 of its last 11 games.
Thunder on the Offensive
The Thunder ranks fourth in the CHL with 3.52 goals for per game. The Thunder has scored 74 goals in 21 games this season after scoring 128 all of last year.
Limiting Chances
The Thunder is averaging just 29.00 shots against per game, fourth fewest in the league.
Bennefield Among League's Best
Right wing Jesse Bennefield leads the Thunder with 29 points in 21 games. Bennefield is also tied for fifth overall in the CHL in points and tied for 10th among Three Star Leaders.
Powerful Scoran
Defenseman Kory Scoran is tied for the league lead with six power play goals. Scoran's eight total goals are also tied for first among blue liners.
Guarding the Crease
Rookie goaltender Marc-Antoine Gelinas is sixth in the CHL with a 2.42 goals against average. The 21-year old has allowed three or fewer goals in eight of his nine starts in a Thunder sweater.
Rookie Kaunisto Impressive
Defenseman Steven Kaunisto leads all CHL rookies and is tied for first among CHL defensemen in plus/minus with a +10 rating.
Disciplined Thunder
The Thunder is averaging just 18.43 PIM per game, sixth fewest in the league.
Northern Parity
Wichita is tied for sixth place in the Turner Conference with 22 points (10-9-2). Just seven points separate the top eight teams in the conference. In contrast, a 15-point gap exists between the first and eighth teams in the Berry Conference.
Roster Notes
Center Matt Hubbauer and defenseman Jason Goulet are on the 30-Day IR. Marty Magers is on Goaltender IR.
Catch the Thunder All Season
All 66 Thunder games are broadcast on either 93.5 FM KWME or 1550 AM KKLE. You can 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 heads to Tulsa on Tuesday for a 7:05 p.m. game at the BOK Center. The Oilers return to the INTRUST Bank Arena on Friday at 7:05 p.m. Students can receive $10 Yellow or Green level seating with the presentation of a student i.d., courtesy of America's Pub. Power 93.9 FM is also hosting facebook Friday. Fans can save on Friday's game by visiting www.power939.com The week concludes Saturday when the Thunder makes their inaugural trip to the U.S. Cellular Arena to face the Bloomington Prairie Thunder at 7:05 p.m.
The week's action can be heard locally on Sports Radio 1550 KKLE and worldwide at www.kleyam.com For tickets to Friday's game, call the arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or visit the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com.
American Association Stories from December 13, 2010
- Holiday Open House Specials Extended - Sioux City Explorers
- Thunder Splits Weekend in Wichita - Wichita Wingnuts
- All-Star First Baseman Cooper Re-Signs with Saints for 2011 - St. Paul Saints
- Peterson Becomes Second Captain Picked up in Offseason - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
- Kolb Third RailCat Onboard for 2011 - Gary SouthShore Railcats
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