Thunder Weekly, February 3, 2025

RIVALRY RENEWED – Wichita opened the week in Utah, winning in a shootout, 4-3. The Thunder returned to the Midwest this past weekend with a trip to Oklahoma to face longtime rival, Tulsa. The two teams faced each other for the first time since November 10. The Oilers earned a 7-3 win on Friday and knocked off the Thunder in overtime on Saturday, 4-3.

END OF THE ROAD – Wichita closes its seven-game road trip this weekend. The Thunder will begin a four-game homestand on February 11. After this trip, Wichita will play at home in six of the next eight games with one road trip to Boise at the end of Feb. 

WELCOME BACK – Mitchell Russell returned from San Jose this past week and made an immediate impact. He scored a pair on Friday night and followed that up with two more on Saturday. Russell netted two in a game for the first time this season on Friday. He equaled his totals from last season with nine goals and needs six more points to equal his career-high in that category (22).

HELPING HAND – Michal Stinil has points in five-straight and assists in his last four with seven assists over that span. Stinil also needs eight goals to reach 100 in his ECHL career.  

NEW HIGHS – Peter Bates needs four points to set a new career high. He has 46 points (13g, 33a) in 44 games. Last year, Bates had 50 points (23g, 27a) in 45 games. He is tied for third with 33 helpers.

SEVENTH HEAVEN – Trevor Gorsuch has won his last four starts, earning a shootout victory on Monday. He improved to 7-1-0-1 with a 2.23 goals-against and .940 save percentage. 

FIRSTS – Alex Gritz recorded his first ECHL goal on Saturday night. He made a spectacular play with one hand on his stick to redirect it past Talyn Boyko. Gritz has three points (1g, 2a) in five games since joining the Thunder. 

EXTRA, EXTRA – Wichita appeared in its 12th game past regulation on Saturday, losing 4-3 to the Oilers. Earlier in the week, the Thunder claimed a 4-3 shootout victory over Utah. Wichita improved to 2-1 in games decided in a shootout. Wichita is 6-3 in games decided in the overtime session. 

THUNDERBOLTS...Michal Stinil and Peter Bates are tied for sixth in points (46)...Jeremie Bucheler is tied for second in power play assists (10) and tied for first with 12 power play points...Wichita is third to last in penalty minutes per game (10.02)...Wichita is 16-5-2 when scoring first...Wichita is 12-4-1 when leading after one...Wichita is 17-1-1 when leading after two...Wichita is 12-5-0 in games decided by three or more goals...Wichita is 12-5-0 when outshooting its opponent...

Our next home game is Tuesday, February 11 as we return to INTRUST Bank Arena. Join us for another Ollie's Bargain Outlet Winning Weeknight and get four tickets and a $20 gift card to Ollie's for just $80. Click HERE to purchase today!

Suiteheart Date Night is approaching fast. Take your significant other to a Thunder game and watch the fast-paced action while enjoying Valentine's Day. Click HERE to request a call.

Scout Night is coming fast as well. Come join us for Star Wars Night on Saturday, February 15 and get a special Scout ticket package. This includes a ticket to the game and a special Scout patch. Click HERE to purchase.

Our first-ever Pilates on Ice is coming on Saturday, February 15. Enjoy a pre-game Pilates class on the same ice that the Thunder play later that night. Click HERE to join us in this wonderful experience.

Faith and Family Night is coming on Sunday, February 16. Come watch us host the Tahoe Knight Monsters and meet two members of the cast from the critically acclaimed TV show, The Chosen. Click HERE to bring out your church, youth group or business.