NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas – The Texas Brahmas entered Wednesday night’s game against the visiting Wichita Thunder desperately needing a win. Down 2-0 in the best-of-seven Central Hockey League Berry Conference Final, a return home to the NYTEX Sports Centre was just what the doctor ordered. 
The Brahmas used a three-goal second period that saw nine different players break into the point column, then held on to defeat the Thunder 3-2 before 1,916 fans. Mike Hellyer netted his second game-winning goal of the post-season, while Brad Fogal stopped 18 of 20 shots faced.
The game was not marred by many penalties, as Texas was assessed four penalties for eight minutes, and Wichita was sent to the box just once for two minutes. The Thunder were 0-4 on the power play while Texas was 0-1 with the man advantage. Three of the Brahmas’ four penalties came in the opening period, but they were able to hold off the Thunder while being out-shot 9-3. Neither team scored in the first. As the game reached the mid-way point, the Brahmas finally broke out of their shell, out-shooting the Thunder 12-4. Adam Hogg chipped in his second goal in as many games, breaking the scoreless deadlock at the 6:34 mark. Hogg’s goal, coming off of a turnover, was assisted by Chad Woollard and Erik Spady and put the Brahmas up 1-0. Keeping the offense rolling, Andrew Lackner picked up a backdoor pass and beat Thunder goalie Adam Russo less than five minutes later to make it 2-0. Calin Wild and Sy Nutkevitch were awarded assists on the marker. Hellyer’s tally came just under six minutes later, scoring on a backhanded shot from the left face-off circle at 17:20 to make it 3-0. Brett Findlay and Brendon Hodge assisted on Hellyer’s goal as Texas took their three-goal lead into the locker room. Thomas Beauregard sparked Wichita in the third period as they attempted to make their seventh comeback of the post-season, and out-shot Texas 7-2. Beauregard, along with Alex Bourret, assisted on a goal by Kevin Young 2:32 into the final frame that cut the deficit to two. Adding his second assist of the night, Beauregard found Flath who sent a wrister into the back of the net at 15:33. Wichita was unable to tie the game as Fogal and crew shut them down the rest of the way. Game Four is set for a 7:30 pm CST start on Friday night at NYTEX Sports Centre as the Brahmas look to even the series. Game five is scheduled for Saturday night in Wichita. Contact the writer at john.hall@prohockeynews.com
