WICHITA, KS – Michael Parks’ first career hat trick and two goals from Chris Francis propelled the Quad City Mallards (36-24-4) to a 5-2 victory over the host Wichita Thunder (18-39-4) Wednesday night.
The Mallards jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead. Francis swooped into the goalmouth to roof the opening goal at 2:19 of the first. Parks stretched the gap to three with wrist shots from the left wing circle at 8:38 and 12:52. Drew Owsley replaced Thunder starting goaltender Scott Greenham after the third Mallard goal.
Maxim St-Cyr trimmed the Mallard advantage to 3-1 by pouncing on a rebound at 13:49 of the first. At 5:55 of the third period, the Thunder pulled within one when Louick Marcotte buried a one-timer from the slot. Francis responded with a crucial close range insurance goal at 12:02 of the third. An empty net power play goal completed Parks’ hat trick with just three seconds remaining.
The Mallards next play at home Friday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Fort Wayne Komets.
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