Box Score| Game Live

The Governors’ Cup champion Wichita Thunder rode a huge night from R.G. Flath and a nig third period to a 4-2 win in Game 1 of their Opening Round series against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.  Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday in Wichita.

Flath notched the first hat trick of the post-season scoring twice in the three-goal second period and then closing out the night with a shorthanded goal in the third period.

The line of Flath, Thomas Beauregard and Alex Bourret combined for four goals and five assists and were a collective +11 on the night.

The Killer Bees led after 20 minutes thanks to a power play goal from Brandon Campos but the Thunder responded early in the second period with Bourret scoring at the 2:00 mark tying the game at a goal apiece.

Flath gave the Thunder their first lead of the night just over two minutes later and then added his second strike of the night at the 14:23 mark of the period making the score 3-1.

Before the end of the frame, Mike Wilson cut into the lead with his first goal of the post-season making the count 3-2 after two periods.  It was the second of two points on the night for Wilson (1-1=2).

In the third period, Flath sealed the deal with his shorthanded goal just a couple minutes into the period and goaltender Adam Russo did the rest turning away all nine shots he saw in the period.

Russo finished the night with 31 saves earning the win.

Wylie Rogers took the loss for the Killer Bees (31 saves) dropping his club to 0-4 on the season against Wichita.

RGV finished the night 1 for 3 on the power play and Wichita failed in its only two chances of night.