Chats From The Bench: Thomas Beauregard

Beauregard is a name that most Thunder fans find bitter-sweet. David-Alexandre played with Wichita during the 97-98 campaign. That year David, for short, had 71 points, 42 of those points were goals. He won the CHL rookie of the year award, and contributed 8 points in the Thunders playoff run that year. Little did Thunder fans know that the next time they would see David would be nine years later in an Oilers jersey none the less. David has gone on to have a prolific career, ranging from the AHL to playing in Europe and England. Enter David's younger brother Thomas. Signing with the Thunder this past off-season Thunder fan's were given a blast from the past. From the time Thomas stepped on the ice even during pre-camp skates, he reminded us of someone we had seen years before. Thirteen games into the Thunder season Thomas has not disappointed, scoring 6 goals and adding 8 helpers. He has a great outlook on the season, and if things stay on course Thomas is on his way to a great season in Wichita. Recently Thomas was gracious enough to take some time to talk to me about his brother, the team, and winning championships in this week's chat from the bench.


1. This is your first year in Wichita, what is your opinion on the city, the fans, and arena? Do you have any favorite spots?

Wichita is great place to play hockey. Fans are really into their hockey team and support us like no others I've seen in minor pro hockey. I will say the Intrust Bank Arena is one of the most nicest rink I've played including our dressing room. I don't have any favorite spots right now...but maybe later I will!


2. Who influenced you most with your career?

My older brother David Alexandre who used to play for the Thunder. He was my idol growing up and still is. Especially after the accident he made me realise to never give up and always enjoying the sport you love the most.


3. Do you model your playing style after your brother? Or do you think you two are different style players?

Different players. I would say we are 2 offensive players but he's a lot faster then me. I would say I have a better wrist shot though hehe


4. Do you have any superstitions or rituals on game day?

Not really, just trying to sleep a little or watching movies during the afternoon before going to the rink.


5. If you weren't playing hockey what would you be doing?

Probably a hockey coach or a general manager, something who has to be in the hockey world probably.


6. Talk to me a little bit about your Kelly Cup championship with Cincinnati. You had 19 points that post-season, were there any memorable or key goals that you scored?

It was a terrific year, we were considered the best team in the league cause of what we accomplished in the regular season so coming into the playoffs we knew we had a lot of pressure. I remembered it was game 2 in semi final against the South Carolina Stingrays it was 1-0 in the series for us but game 2 we were down 0-3 with 11 minutes left in the game, we tied it up with 4 minutes left into the game before we took 2 minor pim and they scored, to make it 4-3. There was 30 sec left in the 3rd and I made a pass to David Desharnais who was left alone and tied it up. Coming into overtime within 2 minutes in, I was alone in the slot and received a pass which I one timed it and scored in overtime. It was pretty awesome especially the way we did it.


7. We are now 13 games into the season, how do you feel about the team that Mac has put around you and what is your take so far on the season?

We have a really good team. I would say this team looks very similar then the one we had a Cincinnati when we won. We have all the tools to succeed and accomplish great things. 13 games in so far is still pretty early but we have a pretty good record so far but we need to keep working on some little details for the future. We want to be the best team in the league and a lots of time it's those little details who makes the difference at the end.


8. What's it like playing for Coach McClelland?

He knows how to get the best out of every single one of us. If we have a melt down he will let us know and make sure that it won't ever happen again. As a hockey player it's great. He's bringing lots of energy in the locker room.


9. And lastly, we talked a little about your brother David-Alexandre earlier. He won the CHL rookie of the year award with the Thunder. What did he tell you about Wichita, and did he have a factor in your decision to play here this year?

Yeah he was and coach mac was as well. My brother just told me how it is to play here and the fans were really into their team. After seeing the rosters that we had its just made my decision a little easier.


When asked if he had anything to say to the fans, Thomas added this.

I just know that the fans were waiting for a while to have a team who can be top contender this year. After seeing how much you guys love your team you certainly deserve a championship team and thats what we are trying to be the best as we can and do everything to achieve our goal!

My thanks to Thomas for taking the time to answer a few questions.

The Thunder played Wednesday night looking to snap a three game losing streak. What's the easiest way for a good team to snap a rare losing streak? Well of course, bring in your hated rival. If by now you have not picked up on my sarcasm, I'm not sure you ever will! Missouri came into town riding a three game losing streak of their own. And after the match-up in Missouri on the 12th, this had all the ingredients of being a classic game. I don't think you could have scripted the start of that game any better as a coach. "Alright guys, let's go out there and set the tone! Try and put up a couple early, and play physical!" Well coach, how was three goals within the first seven minutes, and three fights in the first ten minutes? After a start like that Missouri not only had no wind in the sails they didn't have any sails! Coming into the game returning forward Matt Robinson had nine points in twelve games. This did not worry me much seeing as how Matt had the same slow start last year, and ended up being one of the leagues top scorers. I think after last nights game Matt may have found his touch. He chipped in two goals including the game winner which was delivered off the stick of Alex Bourret, on the powerplay none the less. The game winner was impressive, but the first goal was the one that sticks out to me. After receiving a slick pass from the aforementioned Thomas Beauregard, Matt had about a foot worth of space before he would have no room to shoot the puck, Robinson flicked the puck and tucked it in the far post for the first goal of the game. After a 3-0 first period, Wichita shut down Missouri's attack. Allowing limited pressure, and virtually eliminating any sort of offensive setup. As luck may have it Mike Wakita, who came into the game with a target on his back after an attack on Chris Greene during the teams last meeting, scored the only goal for the Mavericks on a delayed penalty call on Wichita. Wichita had 36 shots in the game, and goaltender Adam Russo turned away 25 of Missouri's 26 shots, including a post to post sliding splits save that kept Wichita's momentum. In case you were not there, have not read the message boards, the newspaper, or pointstreak, Wichita won 4-1.

Wichita heads into the weekend with yet another home and home match up with the Tulsa Oilers. Now is it just me or am I the only one thinking this? If Wichita can beat Missouri three out of four times, and Allen and Rapid City four out of four times, shouldn't they be able to beat Tulsa? The answer should be yes. Where does Tulsa's success stem from. It's definitely not their owners, any logical Wichita fan should get that reference. I credit Bruce Ramsay. The tough as nails forward who eclipsed 300 penalty minutes eight times in his career, has created a team that does not rely on toughness to win games. Tulsa plays smart, transitional hockey. They move the puck extremely well and when given a lead are very good at tightening up their defense and closing games out. Tulsa is not filled with AHL names as they were a few years ago, but they have guys that buy into Ramsay's system and so far this year have been winning hockey games. So what does Wichita need to do to beat Tulsa. Play physical, take them off their game and score early. Make them come from behind. The best way to beat Ian Keserich is to get in his way, get in his space, and take him out of his game. This weekend will tell a lot about how much Wichita can learn from mistakes and change their play when they aren't winning games against certain teams. A six point week sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving recipe to get back to winning hockey.

In regards to Thanksgiving, I hope all of you had a great holiday, and were able to share it with people you care about! Thank you to all of you who have taken time out of your day to read my blog. This week I was able to accept a position as a writer for Center Ice Report. They have a great vision on being the leading source for Central Hockey League news and information. Right now besides our local newspapers there is not much coverage for the CHL. We hope to change that. Fear not, I will continue writing this blog, with the same regularity I have been. I still plan on doing weekly interviews and giving you Thunder information from a fans point of view. I look forward to getting started with CIR and hope that you all enjoy the vision that we have for news and information for the team and league that we love!

Until next time.