Thunder Weekly Update
December 22, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Split Weekend at Home for Thunder
The Wichita Thunder snapped a six-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over the Mississippi Riverkings on Friday night at the Kansas Coliseum. Troy Ofukany and Chris Greene scored first period goals, with Greene's coming on the power play, giving the Thunder a 2-0 lead. Wichita held the two-goal advantage into the third period before Kings' forward Matt Pierce scored to cut the lead in half. Tim Boron and the Wichita defense took care of the rest, with Boron finishing the night with a season-high 53 saves. Wichita was clutch on the penalty kill, going a perfect 8 for 8. Joel Hanson collected two assists for Wichita, his first points since joining the team. Pascal Bedard and Bryan Nathe also had assists.
The Thunder fell 2-1 to the Rapid City Rush the following night at the Coliseum. The Rush took a 2-0 lead on a second period power play goal from Chris Lipsett, and a third period goal from R.G. Flath. Curtiss Patrick scored his first goal of the season at 13:03 in the third, less than a minute after Rapid City had gone up 2-0, to make it a one-goal game. Patrick received assists from Bryan Nathe and Chris Greene. Wichita finished the night one goal short, with the Rush staving off a two-man Thunder advantage in the final 17.1 seconds. Tim Boron took another tough loss, saving 28 of 30 shots.
Another Great Weekend for Boron
Thunder goaltender Tim Boron had a stellar weekend, saving a total of 81 shots in 84 attempts (.964), while allowing just three goals in a span of 119 minutes (1.51). Boron has ascended to second in the league with a .936 save percentage, and third with a 2.20 goals against average. Boron's numbers are the best of any goalie not from Oklahoma City. He only trails Blazers' goaltender Doug Groenestege for the best save percentage in the league, while only trailing Groenestege and his Oklahoma City teammate Andy Franck in goals against average.
Defense Locked In
Wichita's defense has allowed just 24 goals in its last 10 games. During that stretch, the Thunder penalty kill unit is 58 for 69 (84.1%), and a remarkable 17 for 18 (.944) in its last three contests.
Still Looking for Offense
While the Thunder has received great goaltending and defense of late, they are still looking for an offensive spark. Wichita has scored just five goals in its last seven games, including three shutouts. The Thunder is last in the league in goals for (58) and goals per game (2.32). Wichita has not scored more than two goals in a game since November 29th in a 4-3 loss against Rio Grande Valley.
Ofukany Takes First Penalty Shot
Troy Ofukany took Wichita's first penalty shot of the season on Friday against Mississippi. Ofukany was denied on the attempt by Riverkings' goaltender Kevin Beech. The Thunder has yet to face a penalty shot this year.
Fans Win on Blame the GM Night
Wichita hosted "Carl Peterson Blame the GM Night" on Saturday, offering free admission to anyone with the first name "Carl" or the last name "Peterson", among other promotions. With the Thunder falling short of Thunder General Manager Joel Lomurno's guarantee of two wins and six goals, fans can now receive buy one get one free tickets to Wichita's game versus Arizona on January 6th. Season ticket holders can receive up to four free tickets to the game. Wichita will also host "Pay What You Weigh Night" on January 6th, where fans can receive upper corner tickets based on their weight. A fan weighing 150 pounds would receive a ticket for $1.50.
Up Next
Wichita returns to weekday action, with a rematch against the Riverkings on Tuesday in Mississippi at 7:05 p.m. Coverage can be heard worldwide at www.wichitathunder.com. The Thunder head to the BOK Center on Friday to play the Tulsa Oilers at 7:05 p.m. Wichita returns home on Saturday to host the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. Opening faceoff on Saturday night is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Coliseum. The Thunder is hosting a "Bad Gift Exchange", and will have a postgame skate and autograph session with Thunder players following the contest. The Thunder would also like to remind fans that their game on New Year's Eve against Tulsa is at 5:05 p.m. at the Coliseum.
Central Hockey League Stories from December 22, 2008
- Bucks Get Lump Of Coal, Lose 1-0 - Laredo Bucks
- Odessa's Paul Gillis Earns All-Star Co-Coaching Spot - CHL
- Mudbugs and Brahmas Collide Tuesday - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Thinel's Hat Trick Highlights the Weekend - Odessa Jackalopes
- Tuesday night to be a Ftorek family affair - Amarillo Gorillas
- Rocky Mountain Rage Weekly Update - Rocky Mountain Rage
- Shots from the Point - CHL
- Defenseman Smith wins Oakley Player of the Week Award - Amarillo Gorillas
- Amarillo's Neil Smith and Wichita's Tim Boron Earn Weekly Awards - CHL
- Mudbugs Weekly - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Eagles Week In Review - Colorado Eagles
- Coaches Show Tonight at Boomtown - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Saturday's IceRays game moved to 7:05pm - Corpus Christi IceRays
- RiverKings This Week - Mississippi RiverKings
- Bucks Acquire Miller From Rush - Laredo Bucks
- Holiday Happenings - Tulsa Oilers
- Thunder Weekly Update - Wichita Thunder
- Bucks Start Road Trip Tonight In Rio - Laredo Bucks
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