Thunder Win Streak Hits Three
February 18, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
THUNDER FALLS ASLEEP IN OKLAHOMA CITY- Playing shorthanded at 10:30 AM was not a good thing for the Thunder, as they fell 6-3 in Oklahoma City on Tuesday morning. Bruce Richardson and Mike Batovanja scored the Thunder goals.
THUNDER SHUTS DOWN EAGLES- The Thunder jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead and never looked back, rolling the Eagles 6-3 on Friday at the Kansas Coliseum. Brad Thompson led the Thunder with a pair of goals, while Todd Paul and Bruce Richardson each chipped in three assists. Goaltender Jon Horrell made 45 saves, picking up his second victory of the season.
THUNDER COME BACK ON OILERS- The Thunder scored two goals in the third period, capping a 3-2 comeback win on Saturday in Tulsa. Mike Lukajic tied the game at 1-1, before David Beauregard gave Tulsa a 2-1 lead after two periods. In the third, Mike Batovanja tied the game with Wichita's fourth shorthanded goal of the season, before Travis Clayton sealed the game with his 108th career power play and 49th career game-winning goal. Lukajic and Jason Duda led the Thunder with two points each, making a winner out of goaltender Bill Zaniboni. It was Wichita's second win of the season when trailing after two periods and just their fourth road victory.
THUNDER DROPS OILERS AGAIN- The Thunder broke open a 1-1 game with two second period goals, defeating Tulsa 4-2 at home on Sunday. Mike Lukajic led the Thunder with a pair of power play goals, while Brad Thompson and Daniel Tetrault added a goal and an assist each. Bill Zaniboni made 39 saves for the victory.
GOING FOR FOUR- The Thunder is 4-1-0 in their last five games and has won three-in-a-row, tying their longest winning streak of the season. Wichita has not won four in a row since winning their final five games of the 2005-06 season.
POWER PLAY STARTS ROLLING- Though still last in the CHL at 11.8%, Wichita's power play is red hot. The Thunder has scored a power play goal in seven straight games, going 10-42 in that stretch (23.8%).
65 MINUTES IS ENOUGH- Amazingly, through 47 games (four of which were settled in overtime) and four months of hockey, the Thunder is still the only team in the CHL yet to play in a shootout this season. Before this season, the latest the Thunder ever played into a season without having a game go to the shootout was all the way back in their inaugural 1992-93 season. That year the Thunder played their first shootout on January 2nd (their 28th game of the season). The Thunder lost that game 4-3 at Fort Worth. The next night, however; the Thunder defeated Tulsa at home 1-0 in a shootout. The Thunder record for fewest shootouts in a season is three, set in 2004-05.
MAJOR LEAD- Wichita continues to run away with the CHL lead for major penalties. The Thunder has notched 96 majors so far, 19 more than second place Laredo. Kyle Bruce leads the Thunder and ranks third in the CHL with 19 majors. Since being acquired from Arizona on January 11th, Cedric Bernier has 14 majors in 17 games and has recorded at least one penalty in each game. Mike Batovanja (14), Cedric Bernier (14) and Stan Yanchishyn (11) rank 1-2-4 among CHL rookies for majors. Wichita is on pace for 130 majors, which would shatter the franchise record of 116, set in 1996-97.
INJURY REPORT- Defenseman Tyler Hanchuck, who has missed the last 19 games, is still questionable for his return. Forward Chris Greene, who has missed the last 15 games, is expected to return on Friday.
MILESTONE WATCH- Jason Duda notched his 800th career point on Friday, joining Joe Burton (985), Doug Lawrence (875) and Travis Clayton (818) in the elite club. With 311, Duda is now just one goal shy of tying Paul Jackson for third place on the all-time CHL goal-scoring list. Duda is also just nine assists shy of 500. Travis Clayton, who is just three assists shy of 500 for his CHL career, recorded his 500th pro career assist on Sunday. Clayton played 12 games in the IHL in 2001, picking up three assists with the Detroit Vipers and Kansas City Blades.
THUNDERBOLTS- Wichita ranks second in the CHL, averaging 5,983 fans per game...Daniel Tetrault ranks second among CHL defensemen with 156 shots on goal...Mike Lukajic recorded his 100th career point on Saturday...Wichita's newest defensemen, David Victor and Peter Kennedy, have combined for a goal, three assists and are +3 in their first three Thunder games.
LAST WEEK'S GAMES:
Tuesday, February 12- Wichita 2 at Oklahoma City 7 Loss
Friday, February 15- Colorado 3 at Wichita 6 Win
Saturday, February 16- Wichita 3 at Tulsa 2 Win
Sunday, February 17- Tulsa 2 at Wichita 4 Win
THIS WEEK'S GAMES:
Tuesday, February 19- Wichita at Mississippi 7:05 PM
Friday, February 22- Wichita at Odessa 7:05 PM
Saturday, February 23 Wichita at Texas 7:05 PM
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