Doug Groenestege has the Wichita Thunder solved.
The Missouri Mavericks goaltender ran his career record against the Thunder to 8-0-0 overall as the Mavericks swept a weekend series with a 2-0 victory Saturday night at the Kansas Coliseum.
Groenestege, who also beat Wichita 6-1 Friday night, got some help from his defense early and two goals from Chad Hinz as the Mavericks improved to 2-5 after an 0-5 start.
“Our defense again played well; Wichita had 11 shots after two periods,” Mavericks coach Scott Hillman said. “Doug Groenestege stood on his head in the third (period) and he was again our best player on the penalty kill. The guys are beginning to fall into the system now, and it was good to finally have 19 healthy guys to choose from.”
Hinz scored his first goal at the 15:58 mark of the first period during a four-on-four situation. Hinz tipped a Shaun Arvai slap shot past Thunder goalie Scott Campbell.
Hinz beat Campbell with a backhand following assists from Nick Sirota and Brett Hammond.
Groenestege then stopped 10 shots by the Thunder in the final period to preserve the first shutout in Mavericks franchise history.
SATURDAY’S GAME
MISSOURI MAVERICKS 2, WICHITA THUNDER 0
At Kansas Coliseum, Wichita, Kan.
MAVERICKS 1 1 0 — 2
THUNDER 0 0 0 — 0
First Period—1, Mavericks, Chad Hinz (Shaun Arvai), 15:58. Penalties—Jordan Little, Wichita (major, fighting), 0:03; Carlyle Lewis, Mavericks (major, fighting), ):03; Glenn Detulleo, Wichita (tripping), 2:30; Brad Thompson, Wichita (hooking), 5:31; Derek Pallardy, Mavericks (hooking); Glenn Detulleo, Wichita (hooking), 15:53; Chris McAllister, Wichita (roughing), 18:23.
Second Period—2, Mavericks, Chad Hinz (Nick Sirota, Brett Hammond, 8:03. Penalties—Bill Vandermeer, Mavericks (roughing), 4:20; Damian Surma, Wichita (major, fighting), 16:49; Andrew Davis (major, fighting), 16:49; Brad Thompson, Wichita (hooking), 17:19; Jeff Christian, Mavericks (elbowing), 17:51; Glenn Detulleo, Wichita (slashing), 17:51.
Third Period—None. Penalties—Mike Batovanja, Wichita (major, fighting), 7:48; Andrew Davis, Mavericks (major, fighting), 7:48; Sean Perkins, Mavericks (holding), 8:32.
Shots on goal—Mavericks 11-8-2–21; Wichita 5-6-10–21.
Power-play opportunities—Mavericks 0 of 5; Wichita 0 of 3.
Penalty totals—Mavericks: 23 minutes on 7 infractions; Wichita: 27 minutes on 9 infractions.
Goalies—Mavericks, Doug Groenestege 2-2-0 (21 shots, 21 saves); Wichita, Scott Campbell 1-3-0 (21-19).
Stars of the game—First: Doug Groenestege, Mavericks; Second: Chad Hinz, Mavericks; Third: Scott Campbell, Wichita
Time—3:19.
Attendance—3,007.
Referee—Dan Dreger; Linesmen—Jordan Crowell, Dennis Mercer.
