Thunder start strong
Published on October 26, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
THUNDER SHUT OUT TARANTULAS- The Thunder welcomed Topeka back to the CHL by shutting them out, 2-0, Friday night at Landon Arena. Veteran Scott Allison scored both goals for the Thunder, while goaltender Jamie Vandespyker made 27 saves, moving Wichita's all-time opening night record to 9-2-2. It was Wichita's first ever, opening night shutout.
TOP THUNDER LINE TORCHES SCORPIONS- Wichita's top line of Travis Clayton, Jason Duda and Scott Allison combined for 13 points as the Thunder jumped out to an early lead then hung on for a 6-4 win in front of 6,360 fans at the Kansas Coliseum on Saturday. Clayton led the Thunder with five points as Wichita scored three goals in the first 3:03 of the game, within a span of 1:14. Vandespyker recorded another victory, making 29 saves, as the Thunder allowed just one even-strength goal. Clayton, Duda and Allison each had two goals. The win moved Wichita's record in home openers to 8-4-1.
ROSTER MOVES- The Thunder made their first transaction of the season, waiving rookie forward Josh Welter and signing defenseman Paul Esdale. Esdale played NCAA hockey at Brown University, leading all Brown defensemen in scoring all four years and was immediately signed by the AHL's Cincinnati Mighty Ducks in 2003, where he had an assist in five games. He spent last season with the ECHL's Florida Everblades, picking up 16 points and a +11 rating.
THUNDER TV- The first weekly Thunder coach's show will air this Saturday at Noon on Cox Cable Channel 22, courtesy of Park City. The coach's show, featuring Joel T. Lomurno, Derek Laxdal and Jamie Vandespyker will be followed by the taped telecast of this Friday night's home game versus Topeka.
INJURY REPORT- The Thunder suffered a serious injury over the weekend, but it wasn't to a player. Equipment Manager Frank "Rizzo" Jury suffered a broken hand after he was hit by a puck during the second period of Friday's game in Topeka. Rizzo didn't miss a beat though, working Saturday night's game in a cast.
THUNDERBOLTS- The Thunder are off to their first 2-0 start since the 1997-98 season...Scott Allison and Travis Clayton are second in the CHL with six points each...Allison, Clayton and Les Hrapchak are tied for the CHL lead in plus/minus, at +4...Allison was named the CHL's first Player of the Week recipient...Derek Parker is second in the CHL with 28 penalty minutes...Jamie Vandespyker is third in the CHL with a 2.00 goals against average...All fans in attendance on Friday will receive a 2004-05 Thunder magnetic schedule.
Central Hockey League Stories from October 26, 2004
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- Thunder start strong - Wichita Thunder
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