CHL Wichita Thunder

Wichita Can't Find Traction in 6-2 Loss to Allen

Published on March 22, 2013 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


Wichita, KS - In a battle for first place on Friday night, Wichita (37-19-8) fell behind early and couldn't catch up as the Allen Americans (38-17-9) skated away with a 6-2 victory at INTRUST Bank Arena in front of 7,200 plus in attendance. Kevin Young and Chad Painchaud recorded goals for the Thunder in the losing effort. Wichita finishes 4-4-1 against the Americans this season and is three points back of Allen for first place with two games remaining. The Thunder stay alone in second place as the Fort Worth Brahmas lost later in the evening to the Arizona Sundogs, 3-0.

The game began with a playoff buzz and both teams came out with an edge. The Americans scored first when Jim McKenzie fired a one-timer past Torrie Jung from the high slot at 15:34 of the opening period. McKenzie missed Tuesday's game, but was able to create a turnover in the Allen zone, skated back up ice and caught a pass from Todd Robinson for his second of the season. Wichita had some trouble with the Allen forecheck, but Jung was solid in net making 13 saves on 14 shots.

Allen tried to deflate the home crowd and scored quickly in the second period when Brian McMillin scooped up a rebound behind the goal line and banked it off Jung's back to make it 2-0 Americans.

In the third, the Americans added two more before the Thunder found a little bit of life. Jason Deitsch and Trevor Ludwig added goals in the first five minutes of the period to extend the lead to 4-0 before Young got one back for the Thunder at 6:49. Jon Madden entered up the left wing and made a neat behind-the-back pass to Young who fired a one-timer past Aaron Dell. The Americans quickly squashed any sort of come-back bid, scoring at the 12 minute mark from McMillin, his second of the contest. Painchaud added one for the Thunder with three minutes left, but the Americans would tack on one more and pull away with a 6-2 victory.

Wichita suffers its first home regulation loss in its past 13 games, going 11-1-1 in that span. Young scored his 21st of the season and is just one back of Paul Esdale for the Thunder record for most goals in one season by a Thunder blue liner. Jung took the loss, stopping 32 of 37 shots he faced. Dell won his second-straight start against the Thunder, making 20 saves on 22 shots.

Wichita was 0-for-4 on the power play while the Americans went 2-for-10.

Wichita travels to Tulsa tomorrow night for its final road game of the regular season. The Thunder close the 2012-13 regular season on Sunday afternoon at home against Missouri. For tickets, call 755-SEAT, visit the INTRUST Bank Arena box office or online at www.selectaseat.com .

Wichita Thunder playoff packages are on sale now. There are many ways to get involved, so be a part of the Blue Revolution and the Thunder's quest for a CHL Title. Contact the Wichita Thunder Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (316) 264-4625 or visit the fan relations table behind section 120 at any Wichita Thunder home game for more information. Join the Blue Revolution today!

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics

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



Central Hockey League Stories from March 22, 2013


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