Thunder Sweeps Two at Home
Published on January 10, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
The Wichita Thunder went 2-0-0 last week, beginning with a 6-4 win on Friday versus the Missouri Mavericks. Trailing 1-0 after one period, the Thunder exploded for five goals in the second, including two from Aaron Davis. Missouri trimmed the lead to 5-4 with a three-goal third, but Daniel Tetrault gave Wichita enough breathing room with an empty netter at 19:19. Marc-Antoine Gelinas saved 27 of 31 in the win. Andrew Martens, A.J. Gale, and Chris Greene all had multi-point games.
Wichita knocked off the Bloomington Prairie Thunder 5-1 on Saturday at the INTRUST Bank Arena. The Thunder scored four times in the first, including three goals separated by just 2:22. Lance Galbraith picked up a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, scoring a goal, two assists, and a fighting major against Bloomington's Travis Granbois. Daniel Tetrault and A.J. Gale each scored and finished the night +3. Marc-Antoine Gelinas won his fourth consecutive start, saving 33 of 34.
Red-Hot Offense
The Thunder scored 11 goals in their two victories last weekend. Wichita has scored 80 goals in its last 18 games for an average of 4.44. The Thunder has also scored four or more goals in 14 of the 18 contests during that stretch. For the season, the Thunder ranks third in the league in offense at 3.78 goals per game.
Gale Earns Player of the Month
Thunder right wing A.J. Gale was named the CHL's Sher-Wood Player of the Month for December last week. Gale led the entire league with 21 points in 13 December contests, which included nine goals scored. Gale's outstanding play has carried into January where he is currently riding a five-game point streak. Gale has 12 goals and 27 points in his last 18 games.
Robinson Streaking
Left wing Matt Robinson is currently on a five-game point streak. Robinson has 19 points in his last 12 games and is tied for seventh in the CHL with 18 goals scored.
Bennefield Among League's Best
Right wing Jesse Bennefield ranks tied for 10th in the league with 41 points. Bennefield leads the Thunder with 14 multi-point games, and has not gone more than two consecutive games without a point this season.
Galbraith Heating Up
Right wing Lance Galbraith scored a Gordie Howe Hat Trick on Saturday versus Bloomington. Galbraith has 12 points in his last 12 games. Over his last seven contests, Galbraith is a combined +8.
Multi-Point Tetrault
Thunder Captain Daniel Tetrault has scored two or more points four times in the last nine games. Tetrault has four goals and 10 points during this stretch in which he is +7.
Offensive Defense
Defensemen Andrew Martens and Kory Scoran continue to rank on the CHL leaderboards. Martens is tied for ninth among blue liners with 22 points. Scoran is tied for 17th with 19 points and ranks tied for first with nine goals. Scoran is also tied for fifth overall with seven power play goals.
Gelinas Rolling
Rookie goaltender Marc-Antoine Gelinas has won four consecutive starts. Over his last five games, Gelinas has a 1.61 goals against average and a .942 save percentage.
Follow Matt Robinson at the All-Star Game
Left wing Matt Robinson will represent the Thunder in the 2011 CHL All-Star Game on Wednesday night. This year's format pits the defending champion Rapid City Rush against an all-star squad made up of the remaining 17 teams. The game begins at 7:35 p.m. and can be viewed live at www.centralhockeyleague.com
Roster Notes
Forward Ryan Hand is on the 10-Day IR. Center Matt Hubbauer is on the 30-Day IR. Left wing Troy Schwab was scratched from Saturday's game.
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 continues its four-game home stretch this Friday when they host the Texas Brahmas at 7:05 p.m. The Arizona Sundogs visit Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Friday is Facebook Friday, presented by Power 93.9. Fans can receive discount tickets by visiting www.power939.com Students can also receive $10 Yellow and Green level seating by showing their student ID, courtesy of America's Pub.
Saturday is Bail Out Wichita Night, presented by The Wichita Eagle, Carrabba's, and Apprentice Personnel. Fans 18 years of age and older, who are both in attendance and register at the designated areas, will have $1.00 of their admission ticket pooled together to purchase Powerball tickets. If one of the tickets wins the Powerball Grand Prize Jackpot, everyone who was in attendance and registered will receive a cut of the winnings.
For tickets to this weekend's games, call the arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or visit the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com.
American Association Stories from January 10, 2011
- Howard, Williams Return to Wingnuts - Wichita Wingnuts
- Rockland Boulders Accepted Into Can-Am League - AA
- Thunder Sweeps Two at Home - Wichita Wingnuts
- RailCats Legend Glen Named Pitching Coach in Marlins System - Gary SouthShore Railcats
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