The Tahoe Knight Monsters returned to the ice for game twenty-seven of the season, squaring off against the Wichita Thunder in a crucial divisional matchup with significant implications in the standings. Tahoe entered the contest in search of a bounce-back performance after suffering back-to-back losses to the Tulsa Oilers. As the ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, the Knight Monsters sat third in the division with a 14-10-2 record and were eager to reestablish momentum as the season moved forward. Wichita, meanwhile, came into the game holding fourth place in the division and looking to respond after a recent loss to the Idaho Steelheads. The Thunder, the ECHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, carried a 10-9-4 record into the matchup. With both teams searching for consistency and fighting to stay near the top of the division, this game represented an important opportunity for each side to gain ground and make a statement as the season continued.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters entered the matchup looking for their fifteenth win of the season, hoping to put an end to a recent slide and regain their footing. After a stretch of inconsistent play, Tahoe was in need of a spark to jump-start their game and restore confidence. With the two teams separated by only a small margin in the standings, the contest carried added significance, as both sides were battling to remain within the top four of the division. With every point becoming increasingly valuable, this game served as an important test for the Knight Monsters as they looked to steady their season and push forward.
Cameron Whitehead got the start in net for the Tahoe Knight Monsters. Matt Davis got the start in net for the Wichita Thunder.
Six minutes into the game, the Wichita Thunder took the lead. The goal was scored by #83 Jake Wahlin. His goal was assisted by #20 Noah Beck and #8 Spencer Blackwell.
Shortly after taking the lead, Kyle Jeffers of Wichita was called for tripping. With under four minutes to go in the opening period, the Wichita Thunder took a two goal lead. The goal was scored by #29 Matt Crasa and assisted by #24 Nick Nardecchia.
The score was 2-0 Thunder after the first period.
The Wichita Thunder scored a minute into the second period. The goal was scored by #3 Kirby Proctor and assisted by #39 Donavan Houle and #25 Jack Bar.
Two minutes into the second period, Samuel Mayer of Tahoe received a penalty for fighting. At the same time, Spencer Blackwell of Wichita received penalties for fighting and boarding. Four minutes into the second period, the Thunder scored again. #39 Donavan Houle scored the goal. His goal was assisted by #17 Ryan Finnegan and #34 John Gormley.
With under four minutes left in the period, the Knight Monsters got on the board. The goal was scored by #16 Jake Durflinger and assisted by #21 Adam Pitters and #7 Linden Alger.
With under two minutes left in the period, Samuel Mayer of Tahoe received a penalty for tripping. The Wichita Thunder had a 4-1 lead after the second period.
Two minutes into the third period, Tahoe scored. The goal was scored by #38 Jordan Gustafson and assisted by #92 Sloan Stanick and #65 Devon Paliani.
Three minutes into the period, Samuel Mayer was called for delay of game. Five miutes into the period, Wichita scored. The goal was scored by #12 Peter Bates and assisted by #22 Michal Stinil and #16 Kyle Crnkovic.
With under four minutes left in the game, John Gormley of Wichita received a penalty for tripping. A few seconds later Mike O’Leary of Tahoe received a penalty for tripping. With under two minutes left in the game, Tahoe scored. The goal was scored by #21 Adam Pitters and assisted by #16 Jake Durflinger and #96 Brennan Kapcheck.
With under a minute to go, the Thunder scored an empty net goal. #16 Kyle Crnkovic scored and was assisted by #12 Peter Bates.
The final score was 6-3 Wichita Thunder.
https://echl.com/videos/wichita-thunder-vs-tahoe-knight-monsters-dec-17-2025
This was an ugly performance from the Tahoe Knight Monsters. The Wichita Thunder controlled the game offensively, seemingly doing whatever they wanted while Tahoe struggled to contain them. The Knight Monsters’ forecheck was ineffective, their defensive-zone awareness was lacking, and their offensive setup never found any rhythm. They were consistently beaten to loose pucks and outworked in all three zones. Right now, the Knight Monsters find themselves in a difficult spot, and it’s clear that changes need to be made if they are going to turn things around.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters are set to face the Wichita Thunder in the twenty-eighth game of the season. This matchup marks the second game of this three-game series in Tulsa. The puck is dropping on Friday, December 19th, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Zac Electrifly 
Leave a comment