Friday, December 30, 2011

Chats From The Bench: Matt Robinson

On November 8, 2010, Matt Robinson was traded from the Laredo Bucks to Wichita just eight games into the season. In those eight games Matt had one goal and five assists. Not stellar numbers for someone with four years of ECHL experience. At the time Wichita was looking to add depth to an already potent offense. In what looked like an average move to Wichita fans proved to be arguably the best trade of the year. Robinson went on to score 39 goals and add 27 assists while wearing a Thunder sweater. He ended the year tying for the league lead in goals scored and finished number fifteen in the league in total points. His second season in Wichita is proving to be more of the same from the high scoring forward, tallying twelve goals and thirteen helpers. Robinson also is tied for first in team in power play goals, an area that Wichita has struggled in all year. If the Thunder hope to make a run at the President's Cup this year, Robinson will be a key to that success. He took some time recently to answer a few questions in this weeks chat from the bench.

ZC: This is your second year in Wichita, what is your opinion on the city, fans, and arena? And do you have any favorite spots around town? 

MR: The city is great very spread out but also love heading out to Andale which where my fiancee's family is from. The fans are the best in the league doesn't matter on what night we play they are always there in full and loud as can be. It's great to play in that kind of atmosphere. The arena is unbelievable I don't even think there are some NHL rinks that are nicer than ours.

ZC: Who influenced you most with your career?

MR: The person who influenced me the most during my career would have to be my dad Randy Robinson he was the one that taught me how to play the game and put me through the schools and take me to the practices and games and put the time in. I hope I could do the same thing he did for me one day.

ZC: Who was your favorite player growing up?

MR: My favorite player growing up was Pavel Bure he was unreal and with him playing in Vancouver is was even better that I got to watch him live. He was so fast and he could score, my whole life I was his number (Number 10) even all the way up pro I was 10 until a couple years ago.

ZC: Do you have any superstitions or rituals?

MR: Probably the only superstition I have is while we are in the dressing room when the clock hits 5 mins before we go out on the ice I shoot the guns been doing it for awhile now. Can't remember when it started or why but just has been working so don't change it if it ain't broke.

ZC: If you weren't playing hockey what would you be doing?

MR: If I wasn't playing hockey I would be working for my dad and later taking over for him as a sales rep for multiple companies that he represents.

ZC: Over your career what has been your most memorable on ice event?

MR: I haven't had a really memorable moment yet in my professional career but I would love to win a championship and I think this year is the best chance I have to win one out of my 6 years pro.

ZC: Last season you were a forty goal scorer, tell me about the season, and what that meant to you?

MR: Last year was the best year stats wise of my career, and the first time I had ever scored 40 goals which is a very tough number to get to thats why it was very special last year. I was lucky to come here because if I stayed in Laredo I wouldn't have got to that number. Mac gave me the chance to play and use my skills and put me with great players like Aaron Davis. I think Davie set me up on 80% of those goals.

ZC: You played the first four seasons of your career in the ECHL, talk to me about the difference between the ECHL and the CHL?

MR: I don't think there is that much of a difference to ECHL and CHL and one of the top teams in our league could easily take on teams there.

ZC: You started out the season last year with Laredo, tell me what it meant to have Coach McClelland trade for you and put you in the spotlight here?

MR: It was great coming here Mac is a great coach and knows what he is doing so when he put me in situations I didn't want to disappoint him so I worked my hardest every chance I got. But like I said before I would have never had a year like I did last year if it wasn't for him.

ZC: What made you decide to play in Wichita again this year?

MR: I came back because I knew we were going to have a good team this year and possibly have a shot at winning a championship this year. I talked to Mac a lot this summer and he was also another one of the main reasons for coming back.

ZC: Do you have anything to say to the fans?

MR: We have great fans on and off the ice and couldn't be happier playing here!


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


This weekend the Thunder look to build off a huge 5-0 win against Missouri on Tuesday night. The Thunder controlled play from faceoff until the final horn. Consistency has been a struggle for the Thunder this year, Adam Russo told me "I think consistency is our biggest objective right now. We need everyone, including myself, to be ready to play every night, and go for 60 minutes". They accomplished that feat on Tuesday against a team that has no one in the locker room should need to get excited to play, "We always want to destroy these guys because one, they have taken some liberties on some of our players and two, just because they are a team that there has always been a rivalry with here." added Russo. Destroy was a good word to use, as that's practically what Wichita did for all three periods, capping off the destruction with a Erick Lizon TKO of Missouri new comer David Simoes. Russo did his part between the pipes, stopping several loose puck flurries in front of the net. The shutout came at an opportune time, as Russo's parents were in attendance at the game "it felt awesome to get the zero in front of them. I have a little deal with my grandfather back home about shutouts, so they are always good to get, but to get it in front of my parents, makes it that much better." 

The Thunder will have a long couple of days, playing Texas at home tonight and then travelling ten hours to Evansville Indiana. What better way to ring in the new year than on a charter bus coming back from Indiana. Texas has played consistent and close hockey all year, while Evansville has recovered nicely sliding during a five game stretch. In the last ten games the Icemen are 6-3-1 in their last ten, the same ten game record as Wichita. Wichita still needs to improve their special teams. While the power play has improved as of late, the penalty kill has not. With the amount of goals this team puts up, it's hard to fathom how good this team could be with a more consistent power play. It's quite simple math, power play goals for go up and power play goals against go down equals a lot more wins than are already being posted.

Until next time.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Week In Review: 12/25/11

A win-less week for the Thunder this last week as they dropped both away games against Quad City and Tulsa. The lone point the Thunder earned was not enough to keep them in first place as Allen capitalized and earned three points on the week to claim first place by two points.


Wichita hosts Missouri on Tuesday night, Texas on Friday Night, and travels ten hours to Evansville on Saturday. Missouri's struggles of late have continued as they fight to stay afloat in the Turner conference. Meanwhile Evansville has taken a step back as of late but none the less are still a dangerous team. Texas has been a consistent close-game team all year. The scheduling for the Thunder continues to prove to be one of the most difficult in the league.

While the Thunder power play seems to be improving as of late, the penalty kill does not. Ranking third worst in the fourteen team Central Hockey League at 78.76%. That is a far cry from the leagues worst, Dayton, at 70.54%, but still needs much improvement. It seems as though this Thunder team has it all, scoring, defense, and a solid number one goaltender. But they lack that killer instinct to go out and dominate games. Most of the time this has come on the road. The Thunder are 5-5-1 on the road this season, compared to a league best 12-3-0 at home. If the Thunder can learn to lock down games on the road, in example Texas and Allen three weeks ago, this team would far away be the best team in the league. However allowing leads to slip away and tarnish on the road, have kept Wichita from hitting the "elite" status in the league.

Alex Bourret and Thomas Beauregard have become the hottest scoring duo in the league. Bourret continues his scoring touch, having a goal in each of his last three games. Beauregard, while being held scoreless against Quad City, has eight points in his last five games. The "french connection" between the two have proven to be a dream line for Kevin McClelland, and barring a call up to a higher league, should keep the two producing all season long.

Adam Russo has gone from splitting time in Quad City, where he was peppered with shots night in and night out, to becoming one of the elite starters in the Central Hockey League. This past week Russo won the Central Hockey League's "Oakley Goaltender of the Week Award" for the second time this year. He has not lost in regulation since December 9th and has won four of his last five starts. Consistent goal tending will become key for the Thunder down the stretch. It will be important for both Russo and MacDonald to be in top form every night to keep this team in contention for a number one seed.

I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable Christmas.

Until next time.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Week In Review: 12/18/11 Christmas Edition

All I want for Christmas is an eight point week. Well merry Christmas! The Thunder played seven games in ten days and went 5-2. A great way to come off of a two game skid on a trip to Texas, they are back in first place and have the best record in the Central Hockey League.

This week is much easier for Wichita, two road games with a day break in between games. Friday at Quad City and Sunday at Tulsa. However both teams are on hot streaks right now. Quad City is 7-1-1 in their last nine, and Tulsa is on a three game winning streak. So while the schedule will be easier, the opponents don't get any easier. Add to that both games are on the road and ten and a half hours in between cities will make things a bit more difficult.

One thing that needed to happen in order for a 4-0 week was special teams and defensive play to improve. Both things happened. After going 0 for 10 last week on the power play, the Thunder went 4 for 17 (24%) this week. The defense also tightened up, allowing only seven goals on the week including a shutout against Rio Grande Valley. Jarred Mohr and Andrew Martens currently lead the league in +/- at a +17. All of this happened while being a defenseman short with Daniel Tetrault being out.

Alex Bourret and Thomas Beauregard have been on an absolute tear of late. Over the last four games the French duo have combined for twenty points, contributing eight goals in the four game stretch. This week the two had five goals that were directly from each other, either Beauregard to Bourret or Bourret to Beauregard. Think about that, five goals! If that doesn't show the chemistry that the two have together, I'm not sure what will.

I want to go on a bit of a rant here, so forgive me. But I have come to appreciate the fact that on the blog I can give my personal opinion without any repercussions from an editor or site master. Basically what I am saying is I write what I want. With that being said, I'd like to point out what piece of crap Kyle Radke is. After Chris Greene laid a nice hit on Scott Balan, Radke proceeded to elbow Greene in between the circles and then rough up Greene along the boards. But Radke didn't stop there. Radke then proceeded to drop his gloves and ripped Greene's full cage and helmet off his head. The same cage that was protecting the face that Greene had hit by a Mike Wakita cheap shot. The same face that suffered significant injuries. Radke then landed a few hits to the back of the head, and an uppercut that appeared to connect with Greene's face. At what point does the "game" turn into trying to harm someone. Just because Greene is the physical checker that no one wants to play against, does not mean someone should try to harm him. And if someone argues that that wasn't intent to injure I don't know what is. It was a selfish, cheap, and dirty play on Radke's part. I was happy to see Chappell step in and stick up for his team mate, but what was done was done.

Changing pace a bit, I want to take the time to tell all of you I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Many of you I have gotten to meet after starting this blog, and many of you I already know. I think the world of all my hockey friends and hope you all have a great holiday with your friends and family! Please take time to remember that through our jobs, daily stress, and the hustle and bustle of life, we still have a great amount of blessings in life. Nothing can replace our freedom in this country, our friends, and our families. Merry Christmas to you all.

Until next time.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Chat's From The Bench: Chris Greene

Since making his arrival after a trade that sent fan favorite Tyler Liebel to Arizona, Chris Greene has given up blood, sweat, and instead of tears, a few black eyes and swollen jaws to become a new fan favorite in Wichita. The gritty all-around center-man made his presence known from game one in Wichita during the 2007-2008 season. Delivering an energy and speed that was rarely seen during the twenty win season. Now entering his fourth season with the Thunder the proud upstate New York native has continued to deliver the same bone crushing hits and energy on the ice, and fan-first mentality off the ice that has turned him into a fan favorite not soon to be forgotten. Chris was generous enough to answer a few questions for me in this week's chat from the bench. 

1. This is your fourth year in Wichita, what is your opinion on the city, fans, and arena? And do you have any favorite spots around town?

I love the city of Wichita. It's a lot different from back home in NY. That's why I think I enjoy it here so much. The people are extremely kind around here too, which makes it easier and more enjoyable. The INTRUST Bank Arena is incredible. It is the best rink in the league, hands down! If I'm out around town I'm usually at Emerson Biggins (West) or if I venture downtown I like The Pumphouse. 


2. Who influenced you most with your career?

I would say my parents influenced me the most. They did anything and everything to make sure I was playing sports and having fun doing them.


3. Who was your favorite player growing up?

My favorite player growing up was Mark Messier. Go Rangers!


4. Do you have any superstitions or rituals?

I have a lot of superstitions and rituals. Especially on gamedays. My biggest superstition are that I eat chicken and pasta every gameday.


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

If I weren't playing hockey I'd probably be playing baseball. 


6. Over your career what has been your most memorable on ice event?

My most memorable on ice event would have to be when I served as a replacement in the All-Star game in Colorado.


7. Over your time in Wichita you've done it all. Scored goals, made bone crushing hits, and even thrown in a few fights? Explain your playing style and what you try and bring to the ice every night.

Well my style isn't the prettiest, but I'd say I am an energetic, hard working forward.Not a big time goal scorer, but pitch in when I can. Try and pride myself as a 2-way player. The easiest way to explain my game is hard work.


I want to talk about the Missouri Mavericks for a little bit. 

8. You were involved in a hit by Mike Wakita in Missouri earlier this year. Can you talk about the play, what led up to it, and your overall thoughts on the hit? 

Yea. Well, I went in on the forecheck and hit Wakita in the corner. A clean hit. He wasn't too happy about it, so he chased me down and caught me with a good punch. Hitting and fighting, and taking punches are part of the game. So you try not to take anything too personal.


9. The next game against Missouri, Erick Lizon fought Mike Wakita twice in the game. What did it mean for your team to stick up for you like that, and play 
such an inspired game? And to follow up, talk about the general feel in the locker room building up and during that game?

It means a lot, The team and the boys are like your family away from home. Consider each other like brothers. The general feeling in the locker room was intense. The boys were ready to go out there and battle. And we showed it!

And lastly,

10. What made you decide to play in Wichita again this year?

What made me come back to Wichita was the organiztion. I really like playing for Coach Mac. He makes you want to play your best and you want to play your best for him and the boys. I also like Wichita the city, and of course the fan base. Best fans in the Central Hockey League!

When asked if he had anything to say to the fans, Chris had this to say.
 
I would like to thank all the fans for their support and loyal following. Us players love coming out of the locker room to everyone shouting and cheering. It is a really great feeling. I will say it again, and always will. We have the best fans in the league! 

My thanks to Chris for taking the time to chat.


The Thunder have had an up and down week. After holding two goal leads in games against Texas and Allen, Wichita could not keep the leads and ended up losing both games. Coming home proved to be just what the doctor, or in the Thunder's case the meteorologist, ordered. Do you see what I did there? Thunder/Meteorologist. I digress. The Thunder were able to hold a lead and even come from behind and keep a lead in wins against both Texas and Fort Wayne. The Fort Wayne game sticks out to me the most though. Nick Boucher, Komets goal tender, currently has the most wins and the best goals against average in the league. And while they scored on one power play, the Thunder did a good job killing off the other three Komets man-advantages. Three games in Three days, including a Sunday six hour bus ride to Texas will test this team. They are at the end of a long stretch of games, and need to not let off the gas in these next three games. Six points are at stake (or steak) in the next three days. We aren't five games into the season anymore, every game counts, and as I have mentioned in blogs past, a six point difference in the standings can be the difference between first and fifth. This year though, fifth gives you an early tee time.

Until next time.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Week In Review: 12/13/11 "Extended Version"

Since I will have three games to write about later this week, I decided to throw the Tuesday night game against Fort Wayne in this week in review.

The week started out quite dim for Wichita. In two previous meetings with Allen, Wichita was 2-0. This game turned out quite differently for the Thunder. After gaining a two goal lead, Wichita squandered it, giving up three straight goals. Justin Sawyer salvaged the second period, netting his first goal of the season to help Wichita to a 3-3 tie going into the third period. But special teams killed Wichita in the third. Allen scored twice on the power play and Wichita failed to convert on a brief five on three advantage and that proved to be the difference, as Allen took one from the Thunder 5-3.

The next night in the Dallas swing was not any more kind to the Thunder. Wichita once again took a two goal lead before allowing Texas to slowly chip away. The Thunder went into the third period leading 2-1 when the Kyle Howarth show started. At the nine minute mark, Howarth scored to tie the game, and with less than a minute left in regulation scored his second marker of the game. That goal proved to be the game winner. Wichita again failed to score on the power play and left Texas 0-2 on the trip.

Saturday night the Thunder returned home to Intrust Bank Arena to face Texas for the second straight night. Wichita once again jumped out to an early lead and it wasn't until the third period where things got interesting. Chad Wollard tied the game just over four minutes into the Third. But this time Wichita would answer. Matt Summers took a centering feed from Thomas Beauregard and buried what would become the game winning goal. Adam Russo stood on his head and stopped 19 of 20 shots for the win.

Tuesday brought the return of the Fort Wayne Komets. It also brought the return of Dave Starenky and Jesse Bennefield, former Thunder players. This game was an opposite of the first two games of the week. Fort Wayne jumped out to a two to nothing lead in the first period. In what looked to be a disappointing start  to the new week would turn around real quick. Wichita scored three unanswered goals in the third period to take a 3-2 lead into the third period. Tom Mele tied the game nine minutes into the third period, but a little over a minute later Thomas Beauregard gave the Thunder the lead for good. Alex Bourret iced the game with an empty net goal, and quite the impressive celebration I might add. Adam Russo won his second straight game and tenth overall for the season.

Wichita finished this four game stretch going two and two. But there continues to be a glaring gap for Wichita. Special teams. The Thunder have the third worst penalty kill in the league and the fourth worst power play. In the four game stretch I just covered Wichita went 0 for 14 overall on the power play. Not a single power play goal scored in four games. If this team wants to make a deep playoff run, which in my opinion they have the roster to do, they must start scoring on the power play. Chris Chappell and Alex Bourret have played well on the penalty kill, but power play goals against have proven to be killers this year. Tighten up the special teams and this could be a very dangerous team. In my opinion this has been the biggest downfall for the team. Not many improvements need to be made, but this is one that absolutely has to change.

Until next time.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Week In Review: 12/4/11

This week in review will be a little differently than the one's I've done over the past several weeks. We are almost twenty games into the season. So I will not be doing game reviews but rather going a little more in depth into what I have seen with this team so far. Bare with me, it's something new.

Who knew that one night a team could play so poorly and then two nights later play one of the best comeback games of the year? Who knew!? Thunder fans were given a roller coaster ride this week with games at home against Evansville and Tulsa. Evansville came to town being the top team in the Turner Conference, after the game Friday night I can see why. Sure the Thunder was sloppy, poor passing, and flat footed at times. But when those times arose the Icemen pounced. When the Thunder were caught flat footed at the end of the second period the Icemen took advantage, not once, but twice. These are the games that the Thunder need to come out of the gate flying for. Sunday night was a game that could allow a slow start. No disrespect to Tulsa, but Evansville is just a hot team right now. When teams like Evansville, Allen, and Missouri come to town. Those are not games the Thunder should expect to win. Those wins are earned.

I was speaking with a friend during training camp and we were talking about the amount of talent, on paper, this team seemed to have. I made the comment that the little games won and lost during the year always seem to make the difference in the standings. For example, Wichita finished ten points out of first place last season, or five wins. Last season we were 4-7-1 against Tulsa. Again for example if we would have won five more of those games, we end up in first place in the conference. So during this highly intellectual conversation, I talked about the importance of being prepared for every game. As a coach, you have to have your team ready for battle no matter if your playing the defending champions or a "B-team" squad. Now I am not saying Mac doesn't try and do this, just pointing out my conversation. Zach, what is the point of all this? When you have the best team statistically from the Turner Conference coming to town, you need to be ready for anything.

Anything would include someone scoring two goals who didn't score two goals in the all of last season. Mike Sgroi dropped the gloves with Erick Lizon just two seconds into the game, and then proceeded to throw a knockout punch to the Thunder defense. Scoring on a breakaway and a goal out in front of Adam Russo. Needless to say this was a lackluster performance for Wichita and one they hope to forget.

Now enter the upside of this roller coaster ride. Usually Sunday afternoon games are slower paced games. It's the end of the week for teams and guys tend to be tired. It also tends to be a smaller crowd. Why? I don't know, but I can't remember the last "big" Sunday crowd in Wichita. How that assumption was completely wrong about the game against Tulsa. In what proved to be one of the most entertaining game and lively crowds of the year, Wichita was able to pull off a three goal third period and salvage a split for the week. A loud crowd of 6,141 were on hand to watch a great comeback game. I promised no game recap, but how good was Thomas Beauregard's goal? But in order to appreciate the goal, you have to start out with Alex Bourret's hit on Marty Standish. Bourret came across the neutral zone and laid a bone crushing hit on Standish. The puck bounced free and in one motion Bourret passed the puck towards a streaking Beauregard, who on the breakaway deked forehand and pushed the puck passed Ian Keserich's right skate for the game winning goal. One of the prettiest breakaway goals I've seen in person.

This week for the Thunder does not get any easier. They have seven games in ten days, three against Texas, two against Fort Wayne, and one against Allen. This is where preparing for games comes into play. Take this long stretch one game at a time, and only play for the night. If you lose one, move on and go to the next one. Don't dwell on rough games. And if you win or get on a streak, act like you lost. Come out just as ready for the next game as if you got beat 0-9 the night before. A long stretch like this can either give your team a huge amount of momentum and confidence, or tear you apart and make you start doubting. This stretch will test the character of this team, and show us all what kind of team we really have. Is this team championship caliber? We are about to find out.

Until next time.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Chats From The Bench: Captain's Edition.

Captain:
"1. Abbr. Capt. One who commands, leads, or guides others"

For the last two years when the word "captain" is referred to in Wichita sports, Daniel Tetrault comes to mind. Perhaps it's his commanding slap shot, the leading body checks, or guiding his team to an 11-4 start this season. Regardless of the reasoning, Tetrault has proven to be the on ice leader that Wichita has needed. Last season when first year head coach Kevin McClelland named Tetrault captain, and seemingly without any questioning. There is a good reason for that. No matter where "Tetsy" has played he has proven to be a leader. Coming back to play for Wichita last season was a welcomed transaction for Thunder fans. One of the last memories of Tetrault for Wichita fans was the subject of a question I had been wanting to ask since December 26, 2007. Well I got my chance in this week's Chat from the bench.



1. This is your fifth year in Wichita, what's your opinion on the city, the arena, and fans? Where are your favorite spots?


Wichita is a terrific city to live in, the people are friendly and heartwarming. Every player that's ever played here have always enjoyed playing in front of the best fans in the C.H.L. As far as the arena, it's by far the nicest one in the league. My favorite spots would be the zoo, local pubs, and Red Rock Canyon Grill for the best restaurant.


2. Who influenced you most with your career?


My mom and dad, they're the one's that always supported me through the ups and downs of my career and life. I can't forget my 3 brothers and sister for all their support as well, especially all those street hockey games we played together outside in the freezing cold back home in La Broquerie, Manitoba.


3. Who was your favorite player growing up? And who do you model your playing style after?


Chris Chelios, he was a rock solid d-man that played a lot of minutes and had the skills and toughness required to enable him to have a long career. He was also a guy that led by example wich made him a great leader. That's also the reason why I switch my old #3 to #7. He wore #7 when he captained the Chicago Blackhawks.


4. Do you have any superstitions or rituals?


No I don't believe in that kind of stuff, but I do need the occasional nap on game day lol!


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


Probably coaching or bartending at a nice pub somewhere.


6. You've had quite a well traveled career, where was your favorite road trip throughout your career? And where was the worst place to play?


Best road trips would be Shreveport because I could hit the casino tables and triple my per diem. Worst place was Amarillo, TX bad motel and worst rink.


7. The WHL is a great Major Junior league in Western Canada and U.S. Tell me a little bit about your time with the Brandon Wheat Kings, and did you play with or against any current NHL guys?


I played 5 years in Brandon and won the league championship my 1st year in 1996. It was a fast and rough league back then with a lot of current and former NHL-ers. I played with Chris Dingman who has won 2 Stanley Cups with Tampa and Colorado, Wade Redden who played with the Ottawa Senators for years and also a bit with the New York Rangers, Peter Shaefer who has played with Ottawa and Vancouver Canucks, Mike Leclerc who played with the Anaheim Ducks. I played against Jerome Iginla, Zedeno Chara, Marian Hossa, Brenden Morrow, Chris Phillips just to name a few. Believe it or not i fought a lot of tough guys in the likes of Aaron Asham a few times, Erik Godard, Darcy Hordichuk all heavy's in the show. Got a lot of bruises and Barney Rubbles from those guys lol!


 8. You've won the best/most outstanding defenseman twice in your career. What do you attribute to your success in your position?


You can only win awards if you have a great team full of leaders and talent. Team success always equals to personnal success no matter what sport you play. Some years you just play with great confidence and poise and those were some of those years. But definitely playing on 1st place teams helps tremendously.


9. Throughout your career, not only have you been a solid defenseman, but you've been known for two things, your huge slapshot, and your bone crushing hits. What would you rather do? Crush someone in an open ice hit or score on a rocket from the blue line? And why?


Both are great things to do anytime, I would say a crushing hit especially when you get a guy with his head down in the trolly tracks like Don Cherry would say. Can't complain on a rocket one timer goal either I guess.


10. And lastly, I will admit this question is a bit selfish, because I have wanted this answer straight from the source for four years now! On December 26th, 2007 you put a hit on then Oklahoma City Blazers forward Gordon Bell in overtime, which then led to a game winning goal. Talk me through the play and what happened? Was that the best hit you've had in your career? And lastly what kind of rush was it to make that hit, and then have the game winner scored less than 20 seconds later? 


I wasn't even looking to deliver a hit on Bell, Travis Clayton was on him tight and he said he got out of the way because he saw a train coming ha ha or else he would of got K.O.d! I was flying around the net to join the rush and those 2 were heading the other way and it was just perfect timing and luckily Bell had his head down and Travis was a smarter player to get out of the way. I hip checked someone at centre ice my 1st year pro in Austin, TX and went low on him and he did a full revolution in the air and landed on his feet, he must of been 15 feet in the air, it was unreal. That was my best one.


If you have not seen the Gordon Bell hit, here it is. Please note the "pop" of the collision and as Daniel noted Travis Clayton's abrupt stop before the hit!




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




This week the Thunder will see one new opponent and one not so new opponent. The good news is that both games are at home and there is a day in between games. Evansville who is currently first in the Turner conference will prove to be a daunting task for a Thunder team who has already faced a schedule packed with playoff teams from last season. Evansville has the second leading scorer in the league (Todd Robinson) and the third best goaltender (Pier-Olivier Pelletier) in the league. But past Robinson and Josh Beaulieu Evansville does not have any point a game skaters. In comparison Wichita has seven point a game forwards (This stat includes Matt Summers, eight points in six games). This game will come down to Evansville's goal-tending. Whether it be Pelletier or Bryan Gillis (4-0 2.17 GAA .935 save percentage) in between the pipes, one of these tenders has to shut down Wichita's offense. If this becomes a scoring contest Wichita has the upper hand. 


Sunday brings the return of the Tulsa Oilers. Wichita has played Tulsa three times going 3-3 against the Oilers. After starting the season 1-3 against their Oklahoma based rivals, Wichita has recovered nicely going 2-0 against them last week out scoring the Oilers 8-4 over those two games. The question for Tulsa becomes, can Ian Keserich take on this big of a workload? Kollen Long pointed that out in his game recap from Saturday's contest, and it was a valid point. How much can one goaltender shoulder on his own? Keserich easily leads the league in minutes played, upping the next closest goalie by almost 230 minutes. Now I am no stranger to goalies carrying a workload. And before you all get hyped up about some great story of me carrying a team all year, slow down a second. I am referring to Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils. In a 14 year time span, Brodeur played in 70 or more games 12 times. In 2006-2007 Brodeur played in 78 of 82 games for the Devils. This is all good and well, but now your asking what my point is. My point is, this was normal for Brodeur, Keserich's career high (professionally) for games played in the regular season is 37. In the 17 games that Tulsa has played, Keserich has appeared in 16 of them. At some point during this season "Kez" will wear down. Thunder fans can only hope this happens in games in which Wichita and Tulsa meet. For the record, Wichita has five more regular season meetings with Tulsa. 


Until next time.