CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Sweeps Three-in-Three

January 24, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Wichita Thunder ran their current winning streak to five games, with three victories in three nights last weekend. The Thunder edged the Missouri Mavericks 4-3 in a shootout on Friday at the Independence Events Center. Matt Robinson scored two goals, including the shootout game-winner. Marc-Antoine Gelinas saved 25 of 28 in regulation and overtime as well as four of four in the shootout for the win.

The Thunder made it four straight wins on Saturday, beating Missouri 4-0 at the INTRUST Bank Arena. Marc-Antoine Gelinas notched his third shutout of the season, saving 16 of 16. Matt Robinson, Jesse Bennefield, Aaron Davis, and Andrew Martens accounted for the goals, with Davis chipping in his second shorthanded goal of the year. Davis, Martens, and Kory Scoran each finished +3.

Wichita won 6-3 over the Laredo Bucks on Sunday evening, led by a hat trick from rookie left wing Dustin Donaghy. Donaghy netted two in the first and another in the second to pull off the feat. Bobby Hughes scored a goal and an assist while Chris Greene and Jason Goulet also had multi-point games. Marty Magers saved 22 of 25 to earn his second consecutive win. Sunday was also the first time the Thunder had beaten Laredo in regulation through eight all-time meetings.

Offensive Thunder

The Thunder ranks second in the league on offense at 3.87 goals per game. Wichita leads the Turner Conference with 147 total goals.

Even Strength

The Thunder has excelled while at even strength this season, highlighted by a +112 rating as a team. Wichita's plus/minus is second only to the Allen Americans who are +160. The next closest team in the Turner Conference is Missouri at +46.

Defense Locking Down

The Thunder has allowed just 16 goals in their last seven games (2.29). Wichita has moved up to 11th in the league for the season at 3.39 goals against per game. The Thunder is also fourth in the CHL with 28.32 shots allowed per game.

Bennefield on a Tear

Right wing Jesse Bennefield has scored a goal in six consecutive games and is also riding an eight-game point streak. Bennefield ranks sixth in the CHL with 51 points and tied for sixth with 22 goals.

Robinson Lighting the Lamp

Left wing Matt Robinson is tied for third in the CHL with 24 goals and has 23 in just 29 games played with the Thunder. Robinson has 27 points in his last 18 games.

Hughes Streaking

Center Bobby Hughes is riding a five-game point streak in which he is +7 with two goals and five assists.

Davis Consistent

Center Aaron Davis has 12 points in his last eight games with a +10 rating. Davis has 42 points in 38 games this year and has gone back-to-back games without a point just twice all season.

Gale Staying Hot

Right wing A.J. Gale, who was the CHL's Player of the Month for December, has remained hot well into the month of January. Gale has nine points in nine games in January, and 33 points over his last 24.

Galbraith on Fire

Veteran left wing Lance Galbraith is on a seven-game point streak and has 21 points in his last 18 games. Galbraith is also +15 in his last 13 contests.

Defensive Partners Shine

Defensive partners Andrew Martens and Kory Scoran continue to find themselves on the CHL leaderboards. Martens is tied for seventh among blue liners with 26 points, and has 21 points in his last 25 games. Scoran is tied for 18th among defensemen with 20 points and is tied for third with nine goals.

Gelinas Leading the League

Rookie goaltender Marc-Antoine Gelinas is tied for the league lead with 17 wins and is 7-2-0 over his last nine starts. During this stretch, Gelinas has a 1.99 goals against average (18 goals allowed in 543 minutes played) and a .930 save percentage (240 for 258). Gelinas ranks eighth in the league with a 2.68 goals against average for the season.

Crowd Ranks Among All-Time Best

Sunday was J.P. Weigand Buy-In Night at the INTRUST Bank Arena, helping push 9,477 fans through the gates. The crowd was the largest by the Thunder this season, and ranks 18th all-time in team history. It was also the largest non-sellout crowd in team history.

Roster Notes

Left wing Troy Schwab is on the 10-Day IR. Center Matt Hubbauer is on the 30-Day IR.

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 host the Rapid City Rush on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. KFH Radio presents Pay what You Weigh Night. Fans can receive tickets for one penny per pound off of their driver's license plus a $2.00 facility fee.

Following Tuesday's game, the Thunder begins a 10-day road trip on Friday at Dayton. The Thunder faces the Gems again on Sunday afternoon. The trip also includes a stop at Missouri and a two-game series at Fort Wayne.

For tickets to Tuesday's game, call the arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or visit the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com.

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics



Central Hockey League Stories from January 24, 2011


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