CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Win Two out of Three

Published on November 18, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


MIRACLE NUMBER ONE BEATS ‘BUGS- Tom Gomes fluke goal helped the Thunder get to a shootout, where they won the game 7-6 at Bossier-Shreveport on Thursday. Trailing by a goal with 1:14 remaining, Gomes dumped the puck into the Shreveport zone from center ice. The puck hit a pane of glass just inside the blueline and bounced straight into the empty net. Jason Duda was credited with the game-winner in the shootout, but it was Gomes who sealed the victory with a shootout goal of his own. Both Duda and Travis Clayton led the Thunder with four points each. Goaltender Patrik Lovisek picked up his first win, stopping all four shootout attempts.

RIVERKINGS DROP THUNDER- Memphis broke open a 2-1 game with five, second period goals, en route to a 7-2 victory Friday night in Mississippi. Pat Stachniak and Tom Gomes scored goals for the Thunder. Goaltender Kristian Antila, the first ever NHL prospect assigned to Wichita, suffered the loss in his Thunder debut. A fourth round draft pick (113th overall) in 1998, Antila was assigned to the Thunder by the Edmonton Oilers.

MIRACLE NUMBER TWO BEATS ‘BUGS AGAIN- Jason Duda's controversial, second goal of the game, as time expired in the third period, helped the Thunder reach a shootout and beat Bossier-Shreveport for the second time in three days. Rookie goaltender Tomi Raisanen, making his first start of the season, stopped all four Mudbugs' shootout attempts to earn his first victory. Vladimir Hartinger and Travis Clayton scored shootout goals for the Thunder, which outshot the Mudbugs 44-33.

LEITER SET TO RETURN- Team captain Jeff Leiter, out since October 27th, is expected to return to the lineup this weekend versus Oklahoma City. Ironically, Leiter, who has missed the last 10 games, was injured while playing the Blazers on October 26th. Forward Todd Johnson, who has missed the last two games, is still questionable for this weekend. Johnson was injured while blocking a shot in Bossier City on Thursday. Goaltender Stephen Wagner and right wing Jerod Bina remain on 14-day injured reserve.

CLAYTON AND DUDA KEEP ROLLING- Thunder veterans Travis Clayton and Jason Duda continue to carry the Thunder with their strong play. Both players had four-point nights on Thursday; then Clayton assisted Duda on two, late third period goals on Saturday. The Thunder won both games. With 22 points, Clayton now ranks third in the CHL in scoring, while Duda is just one point behind him. Clayton and Duda rank 1-2 in Thunder history in goals, assists, points, games played, SH goals, GW goals and SO goals. Clayton also passed Bob Berg last week for first place all-time with his 49th power play goal. Duda ranks third, with 41.

THUNDERBOLTS- This Saturday's game has been rescheduled to 3:05 PM...The Thunder are third in the CHL with 49 goals scored...Wichita ranks second in the CHL with 505 shots on goal...Forward Tom Gomes had three goals and an assist last week...The Thunder held their opponents scoreless (0-8) in shootouts last week...In two games, rookie goaltender Tomi Raisanen has a 2.14 goals against average...The first 1500 fans in attendance this Friday will receive Thunder Stix, courtesy of the Wichita Eagle and the Kansas Coliseum...Friday's postgame party will be at Willie C's on West Street.

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from November 18, 2002


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central