Chris Chappel scored 2 goals and led the Wichita Thunder to a 3-1 victory over the Texas Brahmas Friday night at Intrust Bank Arena.
The win gives the Thunder a 1-0 lead in the best of 7 series.
The Thunder found success throughoutt he night on the penalty kill, keeping the Brahmas scoreless on all three of their power plays.
Goalie Adam Russo tallied 31 saves, and the only goal Texas did score came on a strong pass from TJ Fox to Sy Nutkevitch for a finish that would have gotten past the most elite netminders. That goal at 6:06 into the first period created a 1-0 lead for Texas.
But Wichita answered with a goal by RG Flath to tie the contest and Chappel rattled off 2 straight goals at 12:46 into the second and 19:46 into the third to finish the Brahmas in the series opener.
Game 2 is Sunday night at 5:05 pm at InTrust Bank Arena.
