Thunder Gains Point In OT Loss to Fuel

Wichita, KS (Oct. 11th) - Wichita kicked off the 2019-20 season on Friday night against the Indy Fuel at INTRUST Bank Arena. Despite falling behind in the first period, the Thunder battled back from two three-goal deficits to earn a point in an overtime loss, 5-4.

Four different Thunder players found the back of the net while Chris Crane, Beau Starrett and Luke Shiplo led the way with two points each.

The Fuel got off to a hot start, scoring three times in the first 10 minutes of the opening frame. Spencer Watson got things started at 2:30 as he buried a one-timer from the right circle. Matthew Thompson made it 2-0 at 9:23. Just 20 seconds later, Watson recorded his second of the night to make it 3-0.

In the second, Chris Crane put the Thunder on the board just 25 seconds into the frame. He battled for a loose puck near the crease and beat Charles Williams to make it 3-1. However, Thompson re-gained Indy's three-goal lead at 14:02 with a wrist shot from the slot. Wichita scored the next three to pull even and force the extra period. Stefan Fournier notched his first of the season at 17:08 to make it 4-2. Brendan Smith netted his first as a pro off a beautiful feed from Shiplo to cut the lead to one heading into the third.

At 15:02 of the third, Beau Starrett rifled a shot from the right face-off dot and tied the game at four with his first pro goal. Dylan Wells came up with some big saves down the stretch, including a highlight reel one with the paddle of his stick to keep the game tied.

In overtime, Derian Plouffe found a rebound off a shot from Tim Shoup and he scored the game-winner at 4:33.

Wichita and Indy appeared in the first-ever seven-minute overtime in ECHL history. Crane and Starrett finished with a goal and an assist while Shiplo had two helpers.

The Thunder returns home tomorrow night to take on the Rapid City Rush at 7:05 p.m. Join us for the annual Toyota Block Party starting at 4 p.m. There will be all kinds of fun activities for the family. The Block Party will be in front of Entrance A and B.

The Thunder are excited to be the host of the 2020 Warrior Hockey/ECHL All-Star Classic, presented by Toyota, on Wednesday January 22nd, 2020. Get your tickets now for the league's annual showcase that features some of the best young talent across the ECHL by clicking here.

Season tickets for the 2019-20 season are on sale now. Get your seats for just $34 per month. All it takes is a $1 deposit per seat to reserve yours today. To learn more, click here or contact a Thunder representative at the office today!

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-Thunder-