Independence, MO (Jan. 7th) - Wichita snapped its nine-game winless streak on Saturday night, grabbing a 4-2 victory over Missouri at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena.
Drew Owsley took home the first star of the night, making 28 saves and four different players found the back of the net.
Grant got the scoring started at 9:50 of the first period as he found a loose puck in the slot and buried it past Josh Robinson. Matt DeBlouw almost made it 2-0 as he came across the top of the circles, but his wrist shot pinged off the cross bar.
In the second, Wichita increased the lead to 3-0 with two goals in the frame. Blake Tatchell recorded his third goal of the season at 8:05 during a two-on-none break and fired home a pass from Zach O'Brien. Alexis Loiseau made it 3-0 with less than a minute to go as he took a feed from O'Brien near the left circle and beat Robinson with a wrist shot.
Missouri tried to replicate its comeback from last night, scoring twice in the third. Kevin Tansey scored at 3:13 to cut the lead to 3-1. Andrew Courtney made it 3-2 after getting tangled near the net with a Thunder defenseman and potted his third of the year. Missouri pulled Robinson with just over a minute to go, but Matt DeBlouw found an empty-net and shut the door on any come-from-behind win.
O'Brien had two helpers in his Thunder debut. Loiseau recorded his 15th goal of the year and first since December 2nd in Rapid City. Owsley grabbed his fourth win of the year, stopping 28 of 30 shots. Robinson took the loss, stopping 19 of 22 shots he faced.
Wichita went 0-for-1 on the power play. Missouri didn't have a chance on the man advantage.
The Thunder returns home on Tuesday night to host the Indy Fuel starting at 7:05 p.m.
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 packet opportunities!
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