Jason Tessier's backhander in the shootout's fifth round proved to be the game winner. Krister Toews then stopped Robin Bouchard's shot to seal the win for Wichita.
The Thunder grabbed an early lead on Chris Tarkir's power play goal at 5:54 in the first period. Rio Grande Valley tied it with a power play goal from Rob Voltera at 9:55 in the first.
Greg Cassista helped Wichita regain the lead with his second goal of the season, scoring on the power play at 18:35 in the second. Wichita held the 2-1 lead deep into the third before having to stave off a full two minutes of a five on three Killer Bees power play. Nicolas Dumoulin tied it for Rio Grande Valley before Greg Cassista and Chris Tarkir could come out of the penalty box.
Wichita killed off another late penalty in the third to send the game to overtime, and eventually the shootout. Jason Duda also scored for Wichita in the shootout.
Wichita returns home next Friday when they host the Texas Brahmas on November 21st. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
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