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Wichita's Steve Kaunisto Named Oakley CHL Player of the Week

November 1, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release


TEMPE, AZ (November 1, 2010) -The Central Hockey League announced today that Wichita defenseman Steve Kaunisto has been named the Oakley Central Hockey League Player of the Week for the period ending October 31, 2010.

Kaunisto becomes just the eighth defenseman to win the weekly award since 2007 and the first since Bossier-Shreveport's Simon Mangos who earned the honor on February 15, 2010.

In recognition of his achievement, Kaunisto will receive a special gift from Oakley. To learn more about the wide range of Oakley products, visit www.oakley.com. In addition, the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan native will be awarded 1,000 CHL Loyalty Rewards points. More than 20,000 people have joined the fastest growing sports affinity program in the past year, learn more or become a member at www.chlpoints.com.

Kaunisto's solid play last week helped the Thunder to a 3-0 record winning games on three consecutive nights. In his role, the 6-0, 193-pound defenseman scored a goal and had three assists and was a +10. His overall plus/minus total is currently tops in the CHL. For the season, Kaunisto has five points (2-3=5) tying him for fourth among all league blue liners.

The highlight of the rookie's weekend came on Saturday night where he scored a goal and had an assist in Wichita's 4-2 win over Tulsa. He followed that up on Sunday afternoon with a two assist game and was a remarkable +5 in the Thunder's 8-0 win versus the Oilers.

The 24-year-old is playing his first professional season after a four-year career at Lake Superior State University. During his time in college, Kaunisto scored 14 goals with 45 assists in 154 career games with the Lakers. After his senior season, the defenseman played four games in the ECHL with Reading.

Oakley CHL Player of the Week

Steve Kaunisto, Wichita Thunder

Position: D

(Weekly Totals)

Games Played: 3

Goals: 1

Assists: 3

Points: 4

Plus/Minus: +10

Oakley CHL Player of the Week- Previous Winners

Oct. 18- Brett Smith, Bossier-Shreveport

Oct. 25- Scott May, Colorado

Nov. 1 - Steve Kaunisto, Wichita

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