Kuntz is out

THUNDER SUFFERS FIRST LOSING WEEK


THUNDER DROPS RIVERKINGS- After falling behind 1-0, Wichita’s big three took charge, scoring four straight goals and leading the Thunder to a 4-1 home win over the Memphis RiverKings on Tuesday. Joe Blaznek led the Thunder with two goals and an assist, while Jason Duda and Travis Clayton added a goal and an assist each. Goaltender Sebastian Laplante picked up his 10th victory, making 30 saves, as the Thunder moved their home record to a CHL-best 11-1-2.



BLAZERS POUND THUNDER- Oklahoma City jumped out to a 3-0 lead and never looked back, taking a 6-1 victory over the Thunder on Friday night at the Ford Center. Joe Blaznek scored Wichita’s lone goal. In five games versus the Blazers this season the home team has won all five. Wichita is 3-0-0 at home, 0-2-0 at Oklahoma City.



TULSA EDGES THUNDER- The Thunder fell behind 3-0 and 5-2, but could not complete the comeback, falling 5-4 in Tulsa on Saturday Night. Trailing 5-2 in the third, Ryan Fairbarn cut the deficit to two. Then, with the goaltender pulled, David Lizotte scored Wichita’s fifth extra attacker goal this season, however; this time Wichita could not force the tie. Fairbarn and rookie Kris Wiebe led the Thunder with a goal and an assist each, while Jason Duda chipped in three assists. Kris Wiebe is the Metal Blade Records Thunder Player of the Week (www.metalblade.com).



VETERANS ALONE AT THE TOP- For the first time in league history, the Thunder hold the CHL’s top three scorers. Joe Blaznek, who scored a goal in all three games this week, leads the CHL in four categories: points (40), goals (24), power play goals (14) and game-winning goals (6). Travis Clayton and Jason Duda sit one point behind Blaznek with 39 points each, and are tied for the CHL lead, with 28 assists. Clayton is currently riding a 12-game assist streak and a 13-game scoring streak, both the longest streaks in the CHL this season. With 665 career points, Duda is now just four points behind Hardy Sauter for fourth place in CHL history. Clayton sits in third all-time, with 672 career points.



ROSTER UPDATE- Thunder defenseman Tyler Kuntz retired today to pursue a job opportunity overseas. With Kuntz’ departure, defenseman Brandon Cox is expected to be activated from 45-day injured reserve and return to the lineup on Thursday in Bossier City. Cox has missed the last 18 games. Forward Tyler Liebel, who missed the past two games, is also expected back in the lineup on Thursday.



TEDDY BEAR TOSS- The Thunder urge all fans to bring a new teddy bear to the game this Friday when the Thunder host the Fort Worth Brahmas, and throw the bears on the ice following the first Thunder goal. The bears will be distributed to needy children in Wichita throughout the rest of the season. All fans who bring a teddy bear will receive a coupon good for buy one get one tickets for the Thunder home games on December 27th and 29th. The Thunder would like to beat their single-game record of 714 teddy bears.



THUNDERBOLTS- If the Thunder win both games this week and Colorado loses twice to Tulsa, head coach Mark French will be named head coach of the CHL Northern Conference All-Star team…Daniel Tetrault ranks second among CHL defensemen for both points (27) and goals (8)…Wichita leads the CHL in goals per game (4.04), power play goals (40), power play percentage (19.3%) and shorthanded goals (9)…The Thunder are 14th in the CHL for both shots on goal and shots allowed…Rookie Chris Bain ranks second in the CHL with 14 major penalties.

Yep Kuntz was not at practice, but Tyler and Brandon were!

No big loss IMO hope he has a good trip and wish him Happy Holidays.

thank you

I think there are a few more kuntz on our team that need to go as well.

TeamRoper wrote:

I think there are a few more kuntz on our team that need to go as well.

AMEN BROTHER ROPER!!

Forgot to add that this was known when he came here so not really a sign of put up or else.

looks like a lot of the others feel the same has of late

TeamRoper wrote:

I think there are a few more kuntz on our team that need to go as well.

Lmao...A classic..../One thing I noticed about Wichita on Saturday night is how ordinary Blaznek...Duda and Clayton look at even strength..And what Iam really saying is I didn't notice them at all..Not normal for those guys..

Voth wrote:

TeamRoper wrote: I think there are a few more kuntz on our team that need to go as well. Lmao...A classic..../One thing I noticed about Wichita on Saturday night is how ordinary Blaznek...Duda and Clayton look at even strength..And what Iam really saying is I didn't notice them at all..Not normal for those guys..

I would attribute that to Tulsa's defense and the way they crowd the middle of the Thunder zone. Thunder rely on their power play and just didn't capitalize against Tulsa. Duda did have 3 assists, all even strength, so he must have been out there, maybe you just didn't notice him because you were busy watching your guys physically dominate the Thunder

[quote="thunderdan"]

Voth wrote:

TeamRoper wrote: I think there are a few more kuntz on our team that need to go as well. your guys physically dominate the Thunder

nuff said

Here's the funny part, Kuntz played 10 games with us, over the next 10 games after he is gone, Kuntz's stats will acutally improve.

First ten GP 10 G 0 A 0 +/- -1

Next ten games GP 0 G 0 A 0 +/- 0

ThunderStruck wrote:

Here's the funny part, Kuntz played 10 games with us, over the next 10 games after he is gone, Kuntz's stats will acutally improve. First ten GP 10 G 0 A 0 +/- -1 Next ten games GP 0 G 0 A 0 +/- 0

Ha ha....that is sad, but funny at the same time...

OUT

GDOGG

Here are some more stats. OKC with Kuntz 1-6, without 13-4
Wichita with Kuntz 5-3-2 before he got here, 9-3-1.