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Wichita Clinches Playoff Berth with Comeback Win at Tahoe

Friday, April 11th
Wichita Clinches Playoff Berth with Comeback Win at Tahoe

STATELINE, NV (April 11) – Wichita climbed out of a two-goal deficit on Friday night against Tahoe, winning 3-2 at Tahoe Blue Event Center. 

Jay Dickman led the way with two assists while Nolan Kneen, Joe Carroll and Luke Grainger found the back of the net. Trevor Gorsuch earned his 19th win of the season, stopping 27 shots. 

With the victory coupled with an Idaho loss, the Thunder clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2020-21.

Simon Pinard opened the scoring at 8:18 of the first. He hammered a one-timer on the power play to make it 1-0. 

At 16:46, Sloan Stanick recorded his 29th of the year to make it 2-0. He was left all alone near the top of the crease and Pinard found him.

In the second, Wichita started to generate scoring chances and got on the board with two minutes left in the frame. Dickman fed a pass off the rush to Kneen just inside the Tahoe line. Kneen switched the puck to his forehand and beat Jesper Vikman to make it 2-1.

Carroll tied the game with 11 minutes left in the third. The Knight Monsters were about to be whistled for a penalty. Carroll curled near the right wall, stepped into the circle and wired a shot past Vikman. 

At 13:02, Grainger gave the Thunder their first lead of the contest. Tyler Jette made a terrific pass near the top of the crease and found Grainger at the right post. He tallied his ninth of the year to make it 3-2. 

Tahoe had two late faceoffs after pulling Vikman for the extra attacker. Gorsuch made some key saves in the final 28 seconds and the Thunder prevailed for the win. 

Wichita grabbed its 40th win of the year, which is the most victories since 2020-21. The Thunder can equal their most wins in a season since joining the ECHL with a victory tomorrow. 

Grainger has goals in back-to-back games. Carroll extended his point streak to nine games and has goals in three of his last four outings. Dickman has a career high 43 helpers. Kneen extended his point streak to six games. 

Wichita plays its final game of the regular season tomorrow night at 9 p.m. against Tahoe.

Stay tuned to our social media channels to find out when and where the Thunder will open the postseason.

Season tickets are now on sale for the 2025-26 season. Lock in your seats and catch all the high paced, hard-hitting action at INTRUST Bank Arena. Click HERE now to learn how you can get your seats reserved and start paying now.

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