The Tahoe Knight Monsters returned to the ice for game twenty-eight of the season to take on the Wichita Thunder in a pivotal divisional matchup with important standings implications. Tahoe entered the contest searching for a response after dropping three straight games, knowing the urgency to regain momentum as the season continued to unfold. Sitting third in the division with a 14-11-2 record, the ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights understood the importance of steadying their play and getting back on track before the standings tightened further. Wichita, meanwhile, arrived in fourth place in the division and was aiming to secure back-to-back wins against Tahoe. The Thunder, the ECHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, brought an 11-9-4 record into the matchup and were similarly focused on finding consistency as the schedule progressed. With both teams closely packed in the standings and searching for traction, the game carried added weight, as each side looked to gain valuable ground in the divisional race and set the tone moving forward.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters entered this matchup in pursuit of their fifteenth win of the season, looking to put an end to a recent slide and regain their footing. After a stretch of inconsistent play, Tahoe was searching for a spark to jump-start its game and rebuild confidence as the season moved forward. With the standings tightly packed, the contest carried added importance, as both teams were battling to remain inside the top four of the division. Every point matters at this stage of the schedule, making this a pivotal test for the Knight Monsters as they look to steady their campaign, stay relevant in the divisional race, and push ahead.
Cameron Whitehead got the start in net for the Tahoe Knight Monsters. Roddy Ross got the start in net for the Wichita Thunder.
A minute into the game, Casey Bailey of the Tahoe Knight Monsters received a penalty for holding. Six minutes into the game, Tian Rask of the Wichita Thunder received a penalty for tripping. With under seven minutes left in the first period, Linden Alger of Tahoe received a penalty for holding. With under five minutes left in the period, Nick Nardecchia of Wichita received a penalty for tripping. Neither team scored in the first period. The score was tied at 0-0 going into the second period.
Fifty seconds into the second period, the Thunder took the lead. #21 Jay Dickman scored the goal and was assisted by #16 Kyle Crnkovic and #12 Peter Bates.
A minute into the second period, Tyler Jette of the Thunder received a penalty for delay of game. The Knight Monsters tied the game on the power play. The goal was scored by #92 Sloan Stanick and assisted by #38 Jordan Gustafson and #96 Brennan Kapcheck.
Ten minutes into the period, Tahoe took the lead. #95 Samuel Mayer scored the goal and was assisted by #65 Devon Paliani and #92 Sloan Stanick.
With under seven minutes left in the period, the Knight Monsters scored again. #65 Devon Paliani scored and was assisted by #38 Jordan Gustafson and #92 Sloan Stanick.
With under six minutes left in the second period, #18 Kyle Jeffers scored for Wichita. He was assisted by #17 Ryan Finnegan and #22 Michal Stinil.
With under three minutes left in the period, Casey Bailey of the Knight Monsters received a penalty for tripping. The score was 3-2 Tahoe Knight Monsters after the second period.
Three minutes into the third period, C.J. Valerian of Tahoe received a slashing penalty. With under four minutes left in the game, John Gormley of Wichita received a penalty for holding. With under two minutes left in the game, Nate Kallen of Tahoe received a penalty for tripping. With under a minute left in the game, Nolan Kneen of Wichita received a penalty for tripping. Wichita did pull their goalie. Tahoe would keep the lead. The final score was 3-2 Tahoe Knight Monsters.
https://echl.com/videos/wichita-thunder-vs-tahoe-knight-monsters-dec-19-2025
Tahoe needed a win, and they delivered. The Knight Monsters turned in a much-improved performance, playing with a level of urgency that had been missing in recent games. The energy was evident from the opening puck drop, setting the tone throughout the night. If this effort is any indication, this win could be the spark Tahoe needs to turn things around and begin climbing back toward the top of the league.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters are set to face the Wichita Thunder in the twenty-ninth game of the season. This matchup marks the final game of this three-game series in Tahoe. The puck is dropping on Saturday, December 20th, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Zac Electrifly 
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