Thunder Earns Win at Tulsa During Three-Game Stretch
The Wichita Thunder went 1-2-0 during a three-in-three last weekend, beginning with a 2-1 loss at Bossier-Shreveport on Thursday night.  Wichita erased an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Brandon Kaleniecki, but Tyrel Lucas scored a power play goal midway through the third to help the Mudbugs win.  Ian Keserich saved 28 of 30 in the loss.

The following night, the Thunder broke their 22-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Tulsa Oilers at the BOK Center.  Wichita fell behind in the first for a second straight night, but this time rallied past their opponent with four unanswered goals.  Rookie right wing Shane Foster scored a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, which included the first goal of his professional career.  Kevin Cooper notched two points, while Scott Campbell saved 38 of 39 for the win.

The Thunder opened the INTRUST Bank Arena on Saturday, falling 2-1 to Tulsa.  Paul Kelly scored the first goal in the history of the building to give the Thunder a 1-0 lead in the second, but Tulsa scored two third period goals for the eventual win.  Keserich faced 41 shots, saving 39 of them in another tough loss.  The Thunder went 3 for 3 on the penalty kill and finished 16 for 17 over the weekend.

Keserich Locked In
Despite falling to 0-7-0 on Saturday, Ian Keserich allowed just two goals in the Thunder's 2-1 loss and made 39 saves.  Keserich has started seven of eight games since joining the Thunder and has allowed three or fewer goals in all of them.  The third-year pro already has four games of 35 or more saves and owns a staggering .931 save percentage with Wichita.  Keserich is now less than 30 minutes shy of qualifying for the league leaders.  Keserich's overall .928 save percentage would rank first in the CHL, while his 2.58 goals against average would rank third.

Kelly In Form
Center Paul Kelly scored the first goal in the history of the INTRUST Bank Arena on Saturday, and is currently riding a three-game point streak.  Kelly also earned two points in the Thunder's win at Tulsa on Friday.

Foster Stepping Forward
Rookie right wing Shane Foster battled injuries earlier this season with Colorado and has taken advantage of significant playing time with the Thunder.  In just three games for Wichita, Foster already has three points and two fights, and also scored a Gordie Howe Hat Trick on Friday at Tulsa.

Penalty Kill Hot
The Thunder went 16 for 17 on the penalty kill over the weekend, and is now 38 for its last 40 (.950) during its last seven games.  Wichita has risen from 15th to 13th in the CHL at 81.8%.

Roster Notes
Defenseman Chris Kovalick and left wing Brandon Kaleniecki left the team on Monday for personal reasons.

Up Next
The Thunder returns to the INTRUST Bank Arena this weekend, hosting the Mississippi RiverKings on Friday and the Rapid City Rush on Saturday.  Both games begin at 7:05 p.m.  For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.

-Thunder-