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CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Weekly Update

March 2, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


Thunder Enjoy 3-1 Week

The Wichita Thunder took six of eight points last week, beginning with a 5-2 win over the Tulsa Oilers on Wednesday night at the Kansas Coliseum. After falling behind 1-0, the Thunder rallied to score three straight, including a pair of goals from Jordan Hack in an eventual 5-2 win that snapped a four-game losing streak. John Daigneau earned his first Thunder win, stopping 20 of 22 shots. Marc Belanger scored two goals and an assist, while Mike Zbriger chipped a goal and an assist. Hack finished the night with a career-high four points. It was Hack's third multi-goal game of the season.

Wichita hit the road immediately after Wednesday's win for a two-game series in Rapid City. The Thunder won its second straight on Friday in a 4-2 win over the Rush. Brad Thompson scored a pair of goals, while Joel Hanson chipped in three assists. Ben Boudreau and Mike Zbriger each scored a goal and an assist. Krister Toews returned to form, saving 31 of 33 to earn the win.

The Thunder made it three straight wins beating the Rush 3-2 on Saturday night. Trailing 3-2 heading into the third, Marc Belanger and Joel Hanson scored early goals to wipe away the deficit. John Daigneau saved 37 of 39 to hold on for the win, his second straight. Hanson finished with two goals. The win marked the first time in 33 tries that Wichita had won a game when trailing after two periods.

The Thunder's winning streak ended on Sunday in a 4-1 loss to the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. Joel Hanson stayed red hot and accounted for the Thunder's lone goal. Krister Toews absorbed the loss, saving 31 of 35. Former Thunder skaters Travis Clayton, Joe Blaznek, and Todd Paul all found their way onto the scoresheet, while former Thunder goaltender Jon Horrell earned the win.

Chasing Lawrence

Jason Duda is gradually approaching Doug Lawrence for third place on the CHL's all-time points list. Duda has 868 career points, all scored in the CHL, trailing Lawrence's 875 by seven. Earlier this season, Duda passed Joe Burton for second place on the all-time games played list, and Hardy Sauter for third place all-time in assists. Duda also trails former teammate Travis Clayton for second place in assists by two.

Player Notes

Brad Thompson is on a three-game point streak, and is +3 with four points during that stretch. Since returning from the IR on February 6th, Thompson has 11 points in 11 games. Joel Hanson is on a four-game point streak, and is +2 with seven points during that stretch. Hanson has 13 points in his last 12 games.

New Players Having Impact

Several Thunder newcomers played a big part in Wichita's success last week. Goaltender John Daigneau won two games, saving 57 of 61 (.934). Defenseman Rob Stanfield is +3 in three games and has picked up two fighting majors. Forwards Marc Belanger and Ben Boudreau each have four points in their last four games.

Double Digit Rookies

The Thunder currently has nine rookies on its roster, eight of which are in their first professional season. Three of Wichita's rookies have reached double digits in goals scored, including Troy Ofukany (14), Joel Hanson (13), and Jordan Hack (11), the most on a Thunder team since 1998-99 when rookies John Kachur, Kevin Powell, Thomas Migdal, and Nolan Weir all eclipsed 10 goals. Chris Shudo (9), Chris Tarkir (8), and Marc Belanger (5) each have the chance to reach 10 goals with the Thunder before the end of the season as well. The franchise record for most rookies with 10 or more goals is eight, set back in the Thunder's first season in 1992-93.

Roster Moves

Last week the Thunder released defenseman Bobby Rapoza, and signed defenseman Rob Stanfield and right wing Devin Guy. Stanfield, a veteran, had played in 28 games with the SPHL's Huntsville Havoc, while Guy, a rookie, appeared in 31 games with the EPHL's Hudson Valley Bears.

Injury Update

The injury bug struck again over the weekend, when Stan Yanchishyn, who injured his ankle on Saturday in Rapid City, was placed on the Season-Ending IR. Yanchishyn joins goaltender Tim Boron (hip), forward Mike Batovanja (knee), and defensemen Greg Cassista (knee) and Connor MacDonald (shoulder) as players whose seasons were cut short due to injury. Scott Rozendal (punctured lung) and Jonathan Bernier (foot) remain on the 30-Day IR.

Up Next

The Thunder opens up a stretch of three games, in three nights, in three different cities this Thursday. Wichita heads to the Ford Center on Thursday night to take on the Oklahoma City Blazers. Friday, the Thunder finishes its season series with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs at the Century Tel Center. The trip concludes Saturday back in the state of Oklahoma with a match against the Oilers at the BOK Center. Wichita does not return home until Friday, March 13th when they host the the Texas Brahmas at 7:05 p.m. The first 1,000 youth fans (12 and under) will recieve a Thunder youth jersey. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

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