{WICHITA, Ks.} — Near the top of the league in several categories, the Wichita Thunder climbed back to #1 of the most recent CHL Coaches Poll announced Wednesday. Playing its best hockey of the season, Wichita has gone 10-2-2 over the past 14 games and leads the Berry Conference. The Thunder is tied with Fort Wayne in wins (22) and points (46) while leading the league in winning percentage (.697). Fort Wayne was #1 in the previous Coaches Poll, which was released January 4th. The CHL Coaches Poll is released on or near the beginning and middle of each month throughout regular season. Each first place vote receives 10 points, second place votes earn 9 points, etc.
The Thunder earned nine first place votes with the rest of the top votes showing great balance as the Komets earned two first place votes and the Evansville IceMen (21-9-3), Quad City Mallards (21-14-1) and Rapid City Rush (19-12-2) each earning a first place nod. The IceMen and Mallards finished #3 and #4 in the current poll, respectively, Rapid City finished #7. The Allen Americans (19-9-7) did not receive a first place vote but finished fifth in the poll.
