Thunder Weekly
November 9, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Thunder Downed by Eagles
The Wichita Thunder dropped their only contest of the week, losing 5-2 to the Colorado Eagles at the Budweiser Events Center on Friday night. Wichita took a 1-0 lead just 3:22 into the game when Troy Ofukany deflected a shot past Mike Mole for his second goal of the season. Colorado tied it 2:19 later on a power play goal from Jason Deleurme. The Eagles then scored three times in a span of 2:43 early in the second to take a commanding 4-1 advantage. Brad Thompson brought Wichita within two, scoring a shorthanded goal at 13:07 in the second. But Kurtis Dulle gave the Eagles another three-goal lead, scoring at 17:34 in the same period. Neither team scored in the third. Wichita was outshot 37 to 19. Scott Campbell took the loss, stopping 32 of 37.
Special Teams Notes
When the Eagles scored on the power play on Friday night, it snapped the Thunder's streak of 28 consecutive succesful penalty kills. Wichita finished the night 3 for 4 and still ranks second in the CHL when at least one man down at 93.0%, only trailing the Eagles. Wichita was 0 for 6 however on the power play themselves, and are now 0 for their last 25. Wichita currently ranks 12th in the league at 10.2% on the man advantage.
Major Penalties
The Thunder ranks fourth in the league in major penalties with 11. Mike Batovanja ranks second among individual players with five majors.
Busy Schedule Ahead
After enjoying its lightest week of the season, the Thunder now enters a stretch of 10 games in a span of 18 days, beginning with Wednesday's match against Rapid City.
Bruce and Kaleniecki Debut
Wichita had two forwards make their season debuts on Friday. Left wing Brandon Kaleniecki was activated from the 14-Day IR, where he had opened the season. Right wing Kyle Bruce, who starred as a power forward for the Thunder two seasons ago, was also officially signed. Bruce spent last year overseas, playing for the EIHL's Manchester Phoenix.
Third Period
The Thunder has been outscored 13-2 in the third period this season, the largest differential in the league. In contrast, Wichita has been outscored just 7-6 in the first period and 10-8 in the second.
Shooting Notes
The Thunder is tied with the Odessa Jackalopes for first in the league in shots against at 28.50 per game. The Thunder ranks last in shots for at 22.63, almost five shots per game behind Missouri who ranks 14th.
Surma Waived
The Thunder waived veteran forward Damian Surma on Sunday. Surma had zero goals and two assists in eight games played.
Injury Update
Prior to Friday's game, Jason Duda was transferred from the 14-Day IR to the 30-Day IR. Duda has been sidelined with a back injury and is eligible to return on November 25th. Chris Kovalcik has resumed hockey activities after undergoing knee surgery in October and is eligible to return from the 30-Day IR on November 16th.
Up Next
The Thunder resumes play on Wednesday when they host the Rapid City Rush at the Kansas Coliseum at 7:05 p.m. The Thunder celebrates Veteran's Day, courtesy of 104.5 The Fox. Wichita then plays a two-game road series at Missouri on Friday and Saturday. Friday's contest will be the first in the history of the Independence Events Center. For tickets to Wednesday's game, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
Central Hockey League Stories from November 9, 2009
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- Mavericks Sign Jeff MacDermid, Waive Schwartzbauer - Kansas City Mavericks
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- Bucks' Levassuer Wins Weekly CHL Award - Laredo Bucks
- Mavericks Weekly: Home Opener Friday Night - Kansas City Mavericks
- Bucks Start Homestand Wednesday - Laredo Bucks
- Eagles' Annual Military Appreciation Night This Wednesday - Colorado Eagles
- Mudbugs Weekly - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Chris Bartolone Guests On Arizona Sundogs Coaches Show Tomorrow - Arizona Sundogs
- Sundogs Notes - Arizona Sundogs
- Thunder Weekly - Wichita Thunder
- Colorado Eagles Week In Review - Colorado Eagles
- Oilers Home For Two - Tulsa Oilers
- Jackalopes Weekly Update - Odessa Jackalopes
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