CHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Wins One, Drops Two

December 20, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Wichita Thunder went 1-2-0 last week, beginning with a 7-6 win at Tulsa on Tuesday night. Matt Robinson led the offense, becoming the first Thunder player since March 19th, 2006 to score four goals in a game. Robinson finished with five points and was +4. A.J. Gale had two goals and three assists, while also finishing +4. Marc-Antoine Gelinas earned the win, saving 20 of 26.

The Oilers beat the Thunder 5-3 on Friday at the INTRUST Bank Arena. The Thunder rallied from a 3-1 deficit to tie the game late in the third, backed by goals from Lance Galbraith and Matt Robinson. Tulsa took advantage of a late power play with Chad Costello netting the game winner at 16:49. Costello scored on an empty net in the final seconds to seal the win. Marc-Antoine Gelinas took the loss, saving 26 of 30.

Wichita suffered a 5-4 road loss on Saturday to the Bloomington Prairie Thunder. Goals from Bobby Hughes, Daniel Tetrault, Jesse Bennefield, and Matt Robinson helped the Thunder build a 4-2 lead midway through the third period, but Bloomington rallied for three straight scores in the final 11-plus minutes to steal the game. Robinson was denied by goaltender Marco Emond on a penalty shot with 1:04 left in regulation. Tetrault had three points. Peter Delmas took the loss, stopping 27 of 32.

Lamplighter Robinson

Left wing Matt Robinson is tied for fourth in the CHL with 14 goals scored. In just 15 games since joining the Thunder, Robinson has lit the lamp 13 times, including a four-goal performance at Tulsa on December 14th.

Gale Streaking

Second-year right wing A.J. Gale is on a five-game point streak with four goals and six assists. Gale had five points on December 14th at Tulsa and has 17 total points in his last 10 contests.

Bennefield Among League's Best

Right wing Jesse Bennefield ranks ninth in the league in scoring with 31 points.

Thunder Roaring on Offense

The Thunder's offense has risen to third in the league, averaging 3.67 goals per game. Since a 5-0 loss at Mississippi on December 4th, the Thunder has scored 23 goals in their last five games. Wichita has scored four or more goals 13 times this season.

Multi-Point Thunder

Thunder skaters have combined for 52 multi-point games this season. Jesse Bennefield leads the team with 10 multi-point games, while Matt Robinson is first with three multi-goal efforts. Wichita had 51 total multi-point games all of last season.

Rookie Kaunisto Impressive

Defenseman Steven Kaunisto is second in the CHL among both rookies and blue liners with a plus/minus rating of +12.

Disciplined Thunder

Wichita is averaging just 18.63 PIM per game, fifth fewest in the CHL.

Roster Notes

Center Matt Hubbauer and defenseman Jason Goulet are on the 30-Day IR. Marty Magers is on Goaltender IR.

Catch the Thunder All Season

All 66 Thunder games are broadcast on either 93.5 FM KWME or 1550 AM KKLE. You can listen to each game on the internet at www.kleyam.com Emerson Biggin's West (located at 21st and Maize) is the Thunder's official watch party sponsor of all road games. Thunder food and drink specials will be offered throughout the season.

Up Next

The Thunder heads to Tulsa for a Christmas Evening game on Saturday at 7:35 p.m. All the action can be heard locally on Sports Radio 1550 KKLE and worldwide at www.kleyam.com The Thunder hosts the Missouri Mavericks on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. Sunday is Ugly Sweater Night at the INTRUST Bank Arena. For tickets, call the arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or visit the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com.

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics



Central Hockey League Stories from December 20, 2010


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