Thunder Swept by Oilers on Opening Weekend
October 18, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
The Wichita Thunder dropped two games to the Tulsa Oilers to begin the 2010-11 season. Wichita lost 4-3 to Tulsa at the BOK Center on Friday night. Jesse Bennefield and Chris Falloon helped Wichita jump out to an early 2-0 lead, but Tulsa's Harrison Reed scored a pair of goals later in the opening period to tie the game. Bobby Hughes put the Thunder back in front just 39 seconds into the second period, but a key shorthanded goal from Michel Beausolei re-tied the game at 9:46. Tulsa went ahead at 18:35 on a power play goal from Chad Costello. Ian Keserich stopped 17 of 21 in the loss.
The Oilers won 4-1 the following night at the INTRUST Bank Arena. Aaron Davis tied the game for Wichita with 52 seconds left in the first, but Tulsa rallied for three unanswered goals in the third to take control of the game. Gary Steffes scored twice while Trevor Cann saved 35 of 36 for the win. Keserich saved 23 of 27 in the loss.
Duda Honored
The Thunder retired jersey number '11' in honor of Assistant Coach Jason Duda prior to Saturday's home opener versus Tulsa. Duda is the Thunder's all-time leader in games played, goals, assists, and points and ranks third or better in each of those categories in Central Hockey League history. Duda joins Ron Handy (9), Rob Weingartner (35), and Bobby Desjardins (35) as the only players in the Thunder's 19-year history to have their numbers retired.
Limiting Chances
The Thunder defense limited Tulsa's opportunities over the weekend, allowing 21 and 27 shots respectively. The Thunder's 24.0 shots allowed per game are currently the second fewest in the CHL.
Davis Thrives Against Former 'Mates
Aaron Davis was the Thunder's offensive star last weekend. The former Oiler had a goal and two assists in three games against his former team.
Roster Notes
Rookie defenseman Peter Stevens is currently on the 10-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 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 plays the Missouri Mavericks on Friday at the Independence Event Center at 7:05 p.m. Wichita returns home on Saturday to host the defending Southern Conference champion Allen Americans at 7:05 p.m. The first 5,000 fans through the door receive a 2010-11 Thunder poster schedule, courtesy of Kansas One Call, EMC Insurance Companies, 360 Wichita, AT&T Real Yellow Pages, and 107.3 The Brew. Saturday is also Wichita State University Night. The Thunder will sport commemorative WSU jerseys that will be auctioned off at the end of the night. Fans can receive discount tickets for Saturday by wearing their Shocker gear. For tickets, call the arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or by visiting the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com.
• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...
Central Hockey League Stories from October 18, 2010
- Odessa Splits Opening Weekend Games - Odessa Jackalopes
- 'Bugs Look to Rock Oilers Tomorrow at CTC - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Mavericks Weekly - Kansas City Mavericks
- Mallards Weekly Update - Quad City Mallards
- Mudbugs Weekly - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Smith Named Oakley CHL Player of the Week - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Kouba Added to Bucks' Legends Night - Laredo Bucks
- Bossier-Shreveport's Brett Smith Named Oakley CHL Player of the Week - CHL
- Thunder Swept by Oilers on Opening Weekend - Wichita Thunder
- Bucks Place Two on IR - Laredo Bucks
- Joel Martin Returns to Jackalopes - Odessa Jackalopes
- Colorado Eagles Week in Review - Colorado Eagles
- RiverKings Weekly - Mississippi RiverKings
- Sundogs Notes - Arizona Sundogs
- Two For The Road - Tulsa Oilers
- Rush End up on Top of High Scoring Affair - Rapid City Rush
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
