CHL Wichita Thunder

Wichita Finishes Weekend in Shootout

Published on December 7, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Thunder went 0-2-1 last weekend, beginning with a 4-0 loss at Missouri on Friday night. The Mavericks scored twice in the first 3:14 when Jon Horrell came in to relieve Scott Campbell. Horrell went on to save 30 of 32 to stabilize the game.

Wichita returned home on Saturday, dropping a 3-1 decision to the Colorado Eagles. Down 1-0 in the second, Troy Ofukany tied the game at 8:27 on a backhander in front of the net. Colorado stormed back just over three minutes later to regain the lead and then added an insurance goal in the third period. Horrell stopped 30 of 33, facing double digit shots in all three periods. Wichita's penalty kill went 4 for 4.

The Thunder battled the Eagles to a 3-2 shootout loss on Sunday evening at the Coliseum. Kevin Truelson ripped a shot from the blue line past Colorado goaltender Andrew Penner just 2:58 into the game to give the Thunder an early 1-0 lead. Strong defense and more great goaltending from Jon Horrell carried the shutout into the third. The Eagles took a 2-1 lead on two third period power play goals. Troy Ofukany re-tied the game with 6:20 left in regulation, helping the Thunder force overtime. Down to their final shot in the fifth round of the shootout, Glenn Detulleo scored to force sudden death which was won by Aaron Schneekloth's sixth round goal.

Horrell Steady in Net

Jon Horrell saw significant action in all three games over the weekend. The 28-year old saved 80 of 87 shots (.920), and allowed one or zero goals in nine of 10 periods. Horrell has a 2.96 goals against average and an.895 save percentage through six games this season.

Ofukany Strong Over Weekend

Second-year forward Troy Ofukany scored game-tying goals in back-to-back games this weekend, helping him break out of an eight-game stretch without a point. Ofukant scored six points in the first 11 games of the season, and had 36 in 62 games in his rookie season last year.

Hanson Hot

Right wing Joel Hanson has eight points in his last 12 games, including assists on both Saturday and Sunday night versus Colorado. Hanson scored 33 points in 39 games for the Thunder as a rookie last year.

Thunder Roughing it Up

Wichita hasn't made it easy for their opponents this season, ranking second in the league with 30 majors, including four fighting majors on Friday at Missouri. Chris McAllister leads the CHL with 24 minors and leads all defensemen with 68 PIM.

Shots Against

The Thunder ranks fifth in the league, allowing just 30.43 shots per game.

Injury Update

Last week, left wing Brandon Kaleniecki was placed on the 14-Day IR with a rib cage injury, retroactive to November 27th. Kaleniecki is eligible to return this Fridat at Rapid City. Jason Duda remains on the 30-Day IR with a back injury, while Tim Boron is on the Goaltender IR with a hip injury. Mike Batovanja was placed on the Season-Ending IR last week with a knee injury.

Up Next

The Thunder makes their first trip of the season to Rapid City, taking on the Rush on Friday and Saturday at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Both games begin at 8:05 p.m. All the action can be heard worldwide at www.wichitathunder.com and www.allinbroadcasting.com Wichita returns to the Coliseum on Friday, December 18th when they host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 7, 2009


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