Thunder Swept by Mavericks
Published on November 2, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
The Wichita Thunder lost two games last weekend to the expansion Missouri Mavericks, both played at the Kansas Coliseum. On Friday, the Mavericks earned their first win in franchise history, beating Wichita 6-1. Six different Mavericks scored a goal, while Jeff Christian added two assists and finished +4. The Thunder had taken an early lead on Mike Kneeland's second goal of the year, coming at the 4:16 mark in the first. But Missouri rallied for six unanswered goals for the win. Tim Boron took the loss, saving 14 of 20. Doug Groenestege picked up the win stopping 21 of 26.
Wichita suffered a 2-0 shutout loss to Missouri the following night, with Mavs' center Chad Hinz scoring a goal in each of the first two periods. Doug Groenestege notched the shutout, saving all 21 of the Thunder's shots. Jordan Little, Damian Surma, and Mike Batovanja all picked up fighting majors for Wichita. Scott Campbell took a tough-luck loss, saving 19 of 21.
Special Teams
The Thunder ranks second in the league on the penalty kill at 94.9%. Wichita has killed off 28 consecutive penalties. The power play is currently in an 0 for 19 drought, slipping to 12th in the league at 11.6%.
Batovanja Keeping it Rough
Right wing Mike Batovanja collected his fifth major of the season on Saturday versus Missouri. The third-year pro leads the league in majors and ranks second with 35 PIM.
Rookies Contributing
Goaltender Scott Campbell ranks seventh in the CHL in goals against average at 2.76. Forward Brent Ottmann is tied for third in the league among rookies with three points. Mike Kneeland is tied for second among CHL rookies with two goals.
Detulleo is Efficient
Center Glenn Detulleo leads the league in shot percentage at.429. The veteran has scored three goals this season on just seven shots.
Thunder Muscling Up
The Thunder ranks second in the CHL with 11 major penalties this season. Wichita trails only the Missouri Mavericks who have 14.
Third Period Woes
The Thunder has had trouble in the third period this year, having been outscored 13 to 3 over the final 20 minutes. In contrast, Wichita has been outscored just 6 to 5 in the first, and has outscored their opponents 7 to 6 in the second.
Shooting Notes
The Thunder's 27.29 shots against per game ranks first in the CHL. However, Wichita also ranks last in shots for, averaging just 23.14 shots per game.
Injury Notes
Left wing Jason Duda was placed on the 14-Day IR prior to Friday's game due to a back injury. Left wing Brandon Kaleniecki remains on the 14-Day IR, but is eligible to return at anytime. Defenseman Chris Kovalcik is still on the 30-Day IR with a leg injury and can be activated on November 16th.
Up Next
The Thunder has its lightest week of the season, playing a single road game at Colorado on Friday at 8:05 p.m. All the action can be heard worldwide at www.wichitathunder.com and www.allinbroadcasting.com The Thunder returns to the Kansas Coliseum on Wednesday, November 11th when they host the Rapid City Rush. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
Central Hockey League Stories from November 2, 2009
- Shots From The Point - CHL
- Mavericks' Groenestege Named CHL's Goaltender Of The Week - Kansas City Mavericks
- Oakley CHL Player/Goaltender Of The Week Announced - CHL
- Rob Hisey CHL Player Of The Week - Tulsa Oilers
- Mudbugs Weekly - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Whataburger Starts Food Drive - Tulsa Oilers
- Mavericks Weekly - Kansas City Mavericks
- Jackalopes Grab First Place with Two Wins Last Week - Odessa Jackalopes
- Mudbugs Community Update - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Colorado Eagles Week In Review - Colorado Eagles
- Sundogs Notes - Arizona Sundogs
- Thunder Swept by Mavericks - Wichita Thunder
- Americans Make Initial Visit - Tulsa Oilers
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