Toledo Wins First-Ever Meeting Over Wichita

Wichita, KS (Feb. 17th) - In their first-ever meeting, Wichita couldn't overcome an early deficit on Friday night and lost to Toledo by the final of 4-1 at INTRUST Bank Arena.

Maxime St-Cyr recorded the only goal for the Thunder in the losing effort.

Toledo took an early 2-0 lead, scoring twice on the power play in the first four minutes of the game. Tyson Spink collected a cross-crease pass from Evan Rankin at 2:18 and buried it to make it 1-0. Rankin made it 2-0 at 4:14 as he put a backhand over Drew Owsley from in-close and his back to the net. St-Cyr cut the lead to one at 7:33 as he got to a rebound near Jake Paterson's net and scored his second goal in a Thunder uniform.

In the second, Wichita had some close calls as Blake Tatchell hit a post and Ryan Tesink re-directed a point-shot from Alexis Vanier off the cross bar. Toledo outshot the Thunder 12-7 and took a two-goal lead into the third.

Tylor Spink increased the Walleye's lead to 4-1 after his brother, Tyson, stole a pass near the right post and he scored just four minutes into the third. The Thunder nearly got one back a few minutes later that was waived off during a net-mouth scramble. Wichita outshot the Walleye 10-6 in the final period, but couldn't get any closer.

St-Cyr has goals in back-to-back games. Zach O'Brien picked up an assist and has helpers in his last two games. Vanier also added an assist and has three points in the last two games (1g, 2a).

Wichita went 0-for-3 on the power play. Toledo was 2-for-3 on the man advantage.

The Thunder finish their six-game home stand tomorrow night against the Toledo Walleye at 7:05 p.m. Tomorrow is the annual Police vs. Fire game, presented by Alefs Harley Davidson and Toothbrush holder giveaway, presented by R.A. Ruud and Son. The first 1,000 kids 12 and under through the doors get this great novelty item.

Individual tickets for all Thunder home games are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased at the INTRUST Arena Box office, by calling 855-755-SEAT or go online at www.selectaseat.com.

Contact a Thunder representative at the office today to learn more about our great season, group and other ticket package opportunities!

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