CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Takes Two of Three on Long Road Trip

January 2, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Wichita Thunder earned four of six points in recent action, beginning with a 2-0 win at Quad City on Wednesday night. Marc-Antoine Gelinas made 27 saves en route to his second shutout of the season. A.J. Gale and Troy Schwab provided the goals while the Thunder's penalty kill was 4 for 4.

The Thunder defeated the Rapid City Rush 4-1 on Friday night at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Four different Thunder players scored, while Andrew Martens and Daniel Tetrault each chipped in two assists. Marc-Antoine Gelinas saved 25 of 26 to pick up the victory. Wichita scored twice on the power play in the win.

The Rush beat the Thunder 7-4 on Saturday night to split the two game series. Matt Robinson scored twice, helping the Thunder battle back from an early 2-0 deficit, but Rapid City rattled off four unanswered goals over the final two periods to take the lead for good. Chris Greene and Bobby Hughes also scored. Marty Magers took the loss, saving 30 of 37. Magers was appearing for the first time since November 26th.

Robinson an All-Star

Left wing Matt Robinson will represent the Thunder in the CHL All-Star Game on January 12th at Rapid City. The host Rush will face an all-star squad comprised of the league's remaining 17 teams. Robinson scored two goals on Saturday and is tied for seventh in the CHL with 17 this season. Robinson has 16 goals in just 21 games with the Thunder.

Bennefield Among League's Best

Right wing Jesse Bennefield ranks 12th in the league with 38 points and is tied for 14th with 16 goals. Bennefield leads the Thunder with 13 multi-point games.

Gale on Fire

Left wing A.J. Gale has 10 goals and 24 total points in his last 16 games. Gale's 31 points are tied for 24th in the CHL.

Offensive Defense

Thunder defensemen Andrew Martens and Kory Scoran are among the best at their position. Martens is tied for ninth among blue liners with 20 points. Scoran is tied for 14th with 19 points and tied for first with nine goals. Scoran is also tied for third overall in the CHL with seven power play goals.

Gelinas on a Roll

Goaltender Marc-Antoine Gelinas had a strong week in which he was 2-1-0. In three games, Gelinas posted a 1.01 goals against average and a .959 save percentage.

Penalty Kill Improvement

Wichita's penalty kill has played well of late. The Thunder is 16 for its last 18 (88.9%) over the last five games.

Roster Notes

Forward Ryan Hand was placed on the 10-Day IR last week. Center Matt Hubbauer is on the 30-Day IR. Marty Magers and Jason Goulet were activated from the IR last week.

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 twice at home this week, hosting the Missouri Mavericks on Friday and the Bloomington Prairie Thunder on Saturday. Both games start at 7:05 p.m. Friday is Fans Choose Night presented by 104.5 The Fox. Saturday is Sonic Thunderdog's 18th Birthday Party and Kids Run the Show, presented by Sonic Drive-In, Kissin' 102.1, and B98 FM. The Thunder will wear special Thunderdog sweaters during Saturday's game which fans can bid on during the game. Following the game, fans can also meet their favorite players at Applebee's, located at Maple and Ridge. For tickets, 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 2, 2011


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