Thunder Weekly Update
Published on January 19, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Thunder Swept Over Weekend
The Wichita Thunder dropped three road games over the weekend, beginning with a 7-1 loss to the Rocky Mountain Rage. Rage forward David Morelli scored a natural hat trick to lead the Rocky Mountain offense. Troy Ofukany scored the Thunder's lone goal. Krister Toews suffered the loss, saving 27 of 34.
The Thunder lost a close game on Saturday night, falling 2-1 to the Colorado Eagles in their lone trip to the Budweiser Events Center. Jason Duda scored a third period goal to tie the game at 1-1, but Eagles' forward Konrad Reeder netted the game winner with less than seven minutes left in the game. Wichita had a chance with an extra attacker in the closing minute, and defenseman Bryan Nathe even knocked a rebound past Eagles' goaltender Morgan Cey. However, the puck crossed the goal line just after time had expired, allowing the Eagles to hold on. Krister Toews saved 33 of 35 in the loss.
Wichita fell in another close match on Sunday, losing 3-1 to the Rage. Troy Ofukany scored at 13:38 in the third period to cut a 2-0 Rage lead in half. However, for the second straight Sunday, the Rage put the game away on an empty net goal. Krister Toews saved 31 of 33 in the loss. Ofukany's goal came on the power play, snapping an 0 for 38 stretch on the man advantage.
Top Line Keeps Going
Wichita's top line of Jason Duda, Troy Ofukany, and Joel Hanson continued to work well together last weekend. The line accounted for all three goals scored by the Thunder. In the last 10 games, Duda has 14 points, Ofukany has 12 points, and Hanson has 12 points. During this span, the trio has accounted for 17 of the Thunder's 25 goals.
Offense and Power Play Struggling
After tying a season-high seven goals scored on January 3rd versus Colorado, the Thunder has scored just 13 goals in its last seven games. Wichita has not scored more than one goal in each of its last four contests. Wichita is just 1 for 38 on the man advantage in its last five games.
Penalty Kill Still Strong
The Thunder still has not allowed more than one power play goal in a game since December 12th. Wichita is 78 for its last 89 (87.6%) when at least one man down and is currently ranked 8th in the CHL.
Toews Building Endurance
Thunder goaltender Krister Toews has made a career-high six consecutive starts due to a day-to-day injury to Tim Boron. During this stretch, Toews has gone 1-5-0, but has posted a 3.02 goals against average, and a .916 save percentage in 358 minutes.
Thunder Ironmen
Three players have appeared in all 38 of the Thunder's games this season. They are Chris Tarkir, Jason Tessier, and Scott Rozendal.
Injury Update
Goaltender Tim Boron is considered day-to-day with a lower body injury, and has missed the last six games. Thunder captain Brad Thompson is considered day-to-day as well, and has missed the last eight games. Pascal Bedard has missed the last nine games and is currently on the 14-Day IR with an upper body injury. Jonathan Bernier is also on the 14-Day IR with a lower body injury, and has missed the last seven contests. Mike Batovanja is on the 30-Day IR and has not played since the Thunder's home opener on October 18th.
Up Next
The Thunder hosts the Rapid City Rush this Friday at the Coliseum. It will be the fifth meeting of the season between the Thunder and the expansion Rush. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The Thunder hosts the Oklahoma City Blazers the following night at the Coliseum at 7:05 p.m.
Pack the House Night on Saturday
The Thunder will host its annual "Pack the House Night" promotion this Saturday when they host the Oklahoma City Blazers. The Thunder has partnered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Sedgwick County to promote the game. Group ticket packages which offer an equal number of tickets to underprivleged children, as well as a 20% donation to Big Brothers and Big Sisters are available now. More information can be found at the Thunder's website www.wichitathunder.com or by calling the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
Central Hockey League Stories from January 19, 2009
- Mudbugs Weekly - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Rocky Mountain Rage Weekly - Rocky Mountain Rage
- Shots from the Point for Monday, January 19th - CHL
- Jaeger Named CHL Goaltender of the Week - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Rage's Morelli Named CHL Player of the Week - Rocky Mountain Rage
- Mascot Thunderdog Arrested, Bail to be Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters - Wichita Thunder
- Oakley CHL Player/Goaltender of the Week Winners Announced - CHL
- RiverKings and Ducks Unlimited call all outdoor enthusiasts to participate in world record - Mississippi RiverKings
- Bucks Offer Ticket Special For Wendesday - Laredo Bucks
- RiverKings This Week - Mississippi RiverKings
- Jacks to Hold "Mojo Madness" 5K Race Saturday - Odessa Jackalopes
- Lawrence Night Friday - Tulsa Oilers
- Eagles Week In Review - Colorado Eagles
- Thunder Weekly Update - Wichita Thunder
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