Thunder Weekly Update
November 17, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Thunder Split Weekend Trip
This past weekend, the Wichita Thunder went 1-1 in their longest road trip of the season in terms of distance. The Thunder traveled 778 miles to Laredo on Friday night, dropping a 2-1 decision to the Bucks. Wichita took a 1-0 lead on Jordan Hack's third goal of the season at 13:34 in the first period. The Thunder carried the lead into the third, thanks in large part to the work of the penalty kill unit, which held off the Bucks for 1:26 on a two-man advantage at the end of the second. Laredo tied the game at 5:12 in the third on a goal from Bobby Russell, and then took the lead on Steve Weidlich's power play goal at 11:22. Krister Toews took a tough loss, saving 36 of 38 shots. Wichita had their power play streak end at seven consecutive games.
Wichita rebounded on Saturday night with a 3-2 shootout win over Rio Grande Valley. The Thunder grabbed a 1-0 lead on Chris Tarkir's power play goal at 5:54 in the first period. Rob Voltera tied it for the Killer Bees with a power play goal at 9:55 later in the first. The game remained tied late into the second when Greg Cassista connected on the power play for his second goal of the year at 18:35. Wichita stayed in front 2-1 well into the third period when the Killer Bees gained a full two minutes of five-on-three power play. For the second straight night, Wichita was able to clear off the long two-man advantage. However, Nicolas Dumoulin tied the game at 15:17 before Cassista and Chris Tarkir had a chance to get from the penalty box into the defensive zone. Wichita killed off another penalty later in the third to send the game into overtime, and eventually the Thunder's first shootout since March 2nd, 2008. Jason Duda scored on Wichita's first attempt, while Jason Tessier hit the back of the net for the game-winner in round five. Krister Toews stopped Robin Bouchard's shot to seal a 3-2 Thunder win.
Road Improvement
Wichita is now 3-5-0 on the road, including two overtime victories. Wichita went 4-26-2 on the road last season, and did not win a road game until December 22nd at Rocky Mountain. Before this season, Wichita had not won an overtime game on the road since a shootout victory, also against Rocky Mountain, on March 16th, 2007.
Toews Strong in Goal
Thunder goaltender Krister Toews had good performances on both Friday and Saturday night. The Kleefeld, Manitoba native saved 36 of 38 shots on Friday night, despite taking the loss against Laredo. Saturday, Toews stopped 44 of 46 and saved four of five attempts in the shootout in Wichita's win over the Killer Bees. For the weekend, Toews had a 1.93 goals against average and a .952 save percentage.
Penalty Kill Improving
Wichita had a good weekend on the PK, holding off their opponents on 14 of 16 power plays (87.5%). Wichita moved from 15th in the league on the penalty kill to 13th heading into Monday at 78.7%.
Power Play Streak Ends
Wichita scored a power play goal in seven consecutive games from 10/24-11/8. The streak came to an end on Friday at Laredo when Wichita went 0 for 7. Wichita came back and scored two power play goals the following night in Rio Grande Valley.
Up Next
Wichita plays back-to-back-to-back games this weekend, the second time this year the Thunder have had three games in three nights. Wichita hosts the Texas Brahmas on Friday and the Oklahoma City Blazers on Saturday. The Thunder heads to the BOK Center on Sunday to take on the Tulsa Oilers.
Tickets and Promotions
Friday night the Thunder will offer Keystone Light beer for $1.50 at the Kansas Coliseum for their 7:05 p.m. game vs. Texas. Saturday night vs. Oklahoma City, also a 7:05 p.m. start, Wichita will giveaway souvenir towels to the first 2,000 fans in attendance. Saturday is also City of Chapman Tornado Relief night. Red Wing Shoe Stores will have extra large boots passed around the Coliseum as a fundraiser to help the rebuilding process in Chapman.
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