WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder lost 6-5 to the New Mexico Scorpions in overtime at the Kansas Coliseum on Friday night.
New Mexico defenseman Aaron MacInnis scored 57 seconds into overtime to win the game. The Scorpions had tied the game on a controversial goal with no time left on the clock at the end of the third.
Wichita got out to a quick start, when Chris Greene tapped in a pass from Jason Duda at 6:23 in the first period. After New Mexico tied the game at one, the Thunder took their second lead of the night on a goal from Troy Ofukany at 16:06 in the second.
The Scorpions then rallied for two goals, just 15 seconds apart, to take their first lead. Wichita carred a long two man advantage into the third period, and tied the game on Bryan Nathe's goal at 0:59 in the third. New Mexico regained the lead with a shorthanded goal at 2:27.
Trailing 4-3, Scott Rozendal tipped the puck into the crease off a feed from Jason Tessier at 5:55 to tie the game. The Thunder took their third lead of the night on Greg Cassista's first professional goal at 15:43.
When it seemed as if time had expired, with the Thunder leading 5-4, Craig MacDonald was given credit for a last second goal that tied the game and sent it to overtime, setting up MacInnis's game winner.
Nathe and Duda have now scored points in six consecutive games.
Wichita plays again tomorrow night with a 7:05 p.m. start against the Mississippi Riverkings. For tickets, call the Thunder office at 264-GOAL.
-Thunder-
