CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Sweeps Mavericks

Published on October 12, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Wichita Thunder swept the expansion Missouri Mavericks over the weekend, winning 3-0 on Friday night and then 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday. Rookie goaltenders Scott Campbell and Jamie Gilbert combined for a 39-save shutout in Friday's win, the Thunder's first in the preseason since 2007. Rookie forward Mike Kneeland collected two points, including a goal from the high slot just 38 seconds into the contest. Mike Batovanja, who had not seen action since a season-ending knee injury in last year's home opener, scored on the power play late in the first. Chris Tarkir's short handed goal in the third period finished the scoring for the night.

On Saturday, rookie Chris Trafford scored a pair of goals, including the shootout's game winner in the Thunder's victory. Defenseman Jim Jorgensen and Trafford had goals for the Thunder in regulation, while Jamie Gilbert stopped nine of nine shots to face him. Gilbert finishes the preseason having not allowed a goal in 30 attempts. Wichita won the shootout in four rounds, with Scott Campbell stopping three of four Missouri attempts.

CHL Realignment

The CHL features 15 teams for the 2009-10 season. The Northern and Southern Conferences remain. Wichita is joined by Bossier-Shreveport, Colorado, Mississippi, Missouri, Rapid City, and Tulsa in the North. The South is composed of Allen, Amarillo, Arizona, Corpus Christi, Laredo, Odessa, Rio Grande Valley, and defending champion Texas. The conferences are no longer split into divisions. The playoff format remains for a third straight year.

Boron Eyes Regular Season

Thunder goaltender Tim Boron missed both exhibition games over the weekend due to illness, but is expected to be ready for this Friday's season opener. Boron has not played since January after suffering season-ending injuries to both of his hips. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native posted a 2.59 goals against averave and a .926 save percentage. Boron fell four games shy of finishing fifth and second respectively.

Blue Line Size and Strength

The Thunder features four defensemen who are at least 6'4". Chris McAllister, who stands in at 6'7", brings seven years of NHL experience to the table. Chris Kovalcik, Jordan Little, and Mark Adamek all bring size and presence to the back end as well.

Thunder Will Open Two New Arenas

The Thunder is scheduled to help christen two new buildings this season. On January 23rd, the Thunder officially begins play at the INTRUST Bank Arena downtown, hosting longtime rival Tulsa. On November 13th, Wichita will play the first game at the new Independence Events Center when they take on the expansion Missouri Mavericks.

Aiming High

The Thunder has finished second in the CHL in attendance in each of the last four seasons. The only team to finish in front of them was the Oklahoma City Blazers who are no longer part of the league. With the new INTRUST Bank Arena set to open on January 23rd, the Thunder have a chance to finish first in attendance for the first time in their history.

Up Next

The Thunder opens the season on Friday, October 16th when they host the Amarillo Gorillas at the Kansas COliseum. The following night, Wichita welcomes the Mississippi RiverKings. Both games start at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 12, 2009


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