CHL Wichita Thunder

Wichita Takes Two of Three

October 26, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


The Thunder earned four points over the weekend, beginning with a 5-1 win over the Tulsa Oilers at the Kansas Coliseum. Jason Duda scored just 2:12 into the game, helping the Thunder to a five-goal advantage. Marc Belanger and Jim Jorgensen each picked up a goal and two assists, while Troy Ofukany earned a "Gordie Howe Hat Trick" with a goal, an assist, and a fighting major. Scott Campbell earned his first professional win, saving 25 of 26 and carrying a shutout well into the third period.

The Oilers rebounded against Wichita the following night when the two teams played at the BOK Center. Rob Hisey and TJ Caig each had two-point nights en route to a 3-1 Oilers victory. Glenn Detulleo potted the Thunder's lone goal, getting help from Chris McAllister and Jason Duda. Campbell took the loss, saving 26 of 29.

Wichita beat the Mississippi RiverKings 4-3 at the DeSoto Civic Center on Sunday afternoon. Mike Kneeland cashed in a rebound from Brad Thompson at 11:01 in the second to break a scoreless tie. Glenn Detulleo and Marc Belanger contributed goals in the second as well. Brent Ottmann made it 4-0, scoring on a breakaway at 11:31 in the third. Tim Boron, playing for the first time since opening night due to illness, carried a shutout into the final two minutes of the game before Derek Landmesser scored at 18:16. The RiverKings managed two more goals in a span of 1:08, but Boron made several key saves in the closing minute to maintain the lead. Boron saved 34 of 37 for the win, which was the Thunder's first at the DeSoto Civic Center since November 24th, 2006 and snapped a 10-game road losing streak against the RiverKings.

Duda Passes Doug Lawrence

Jason Duda notched two points in Friday's 5-1 win versus Tulsa, giving him 876 in his career as well as sole possession of third place all-time in CHL history. Duda trails former teammate and current Mudbugs' center Travis Clayton by 10 points for second place all-time. Duda's 539 assists are also just one shy of Clayton for second place, a mark that could be traded back-and-forth several times throughout the season.

Early Streaks for Vets

Veteran forwards Jason Duda and Glenn Detulleo are currently riding four-game point streaks.

Penalty Kill Thriving

Wichita went a perfect 17 for 17 when shorthanded last weekend and is 20 for its last 20 on the penalty kill. The Thunder ranks third in the CHL when at least one man down at 93.5%.

Kneeland Scores First

Rookie forward Mike Kneeland scored his first professional goal on Sunday in the Thunder's 4-3 win at Mississippi, helping to break a 0-0 tie in the second period. Kneeland played four seasons of college hockey at Lake Forest College where he was a teammate of Thunder goaltender Scott Campbell.

Batman Back in Form

Mike Batovanja, who missed virtually all of last season with a knee injury, has shown no signs of rust early this season. The gritty right winger already has scored a goal and currently leads the CHL with 30 PIM and four major penalties.

Detulleo Making Shots Count

Thunder center Glenn Detulleo has scored three goals on just five shots this season for a remarkable .600 shooting percentage which easily leads the league. Detulleo collected 280 points in 290 games over the last four years in the UHL/IHL.

Injury Notes

The Thunder currently has four players on the IR. Jordan Little, Chris Trafford, and Brandon Kaleniecki are all on the 14-Day IR and are eligible to return as early as Friday. Chris Kovalcik is on the 30-Day IR.

Up Next

The Thunder takes on the Missouri Mavericks both Friday and Saturday at the Kansas Coliseum. The games start at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL, or visit the Thunder's official website www.wichitathunder.com

Check out the Wichita Thunder Statistics



Central Hockey League Stories from October 26, 2009


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