WICHITA, KS - The Idaho Steelheads defeated the Wichita Thunder 2-0 on Wednesday morning at INTRUST Bank Arena. The Steelheads will continue their three-game set with the Thunder on Friday, with puck drop set for 6:05 p.m. MT.
The first period saw the Thunder firmly control the pace of play, outshooting the Steelheads 17-4 and generating two power plays as the Steelheads tried to get their feet back under them coming off a 12-day break since their last game.
Anson Thornton was the star of the opening frame, stopping all 17 Thunder shots to keep the Steelheads in the fight after the first stanza.
Thornton’s efforts were rewarded in the second period, as Idaho outshot Wichita 11-9 and got the game’s first goal. Just over 15 minutes into the period, Mason Nevers entered the offensive zone and fired a puck from out high that snuck by two Wichita defenders as well as goaltender Connor Hasley to deliver the Steelheads a 1-0 lead.
Once again in the third, it was the Thunder who provided an offensive push, outshooting the Steelheads 15-6 as they chased the equalizer. After pulling Hasley for an extra attacker in the final two minutes, it would be the Thunder who conceded the next goal, as Nick Portz willed his way past several Thunder defenders en route to an empty net tally to put Idaho ahead 2-0 and seal the game.
Despite more chances in the final minute, Thornton stood tall the rest of the way, earning his first ECHL shutout with a 43-save performance to help lift Idaho to the victory.
Wichita goaltender Connor Hasley turned aside 20 of 21 shots in the loss.
ICCU Three Stars
- Anson Thornton, IDH (43 saves, win)
- Mason Nevers, IDH (1-0-1, +1, 2 shots)
- Connor Hasley, WIC (20 saves)
The Idaho Steelheads continue their three-game set against the Wichita Thunder on Friday, with puck drop set for 6:05 p.m. MT from Wichita. Call the Steelheads Front Office at 208-383-0080 for Steelheads ticket packages for this season. Stay up to date with all things Steelheads on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
New Mexico Goatheads
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trenton Ironhawks
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers