The Wichita Thunder pulled out a 4-3 (OT) overtime victory over the Arizona Sundogs on a clutch goal by Matt Robinson.

The win gave Wichita a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Arizona could not complete its climb out of a two-goal hole. The Thunder made it 3-1 on a goal by Les Reaney at 8:40 in the second period. The Sundogs got to within 3-2 on a goal by Chad Nehring at 4:33 in the third period.

Wichita was sparked by Robinson, who registered one goal. Robinson scored 3:17 into overtime to make the score 4-3 Wichita. Matt Summers picked up the assist.

The Thunder stifled Arizona's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

Wichita also got points from Gregor Hanson, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Summers, who also had one goal and one assist. In addition, Wichita received assists from Kevin Young, who had two and Jon Madden, Neil Trimm, and Andrew Martens, who each chipped in one.

The Sundogs excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. The defensemen of Arizona were also effective in Wichita's zone, and came away with two goals.

The Sundogs were helped by Mario Larocque, who tallied one goal. Larocque scored 3:31 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Wichita. Jeff Kyrzakos provided the assist. Arizona additionally got points from Matt McCready, who also registered one goal and one assist and Nehring, who also racked up one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Other players who recorded assists for Arizona were Jason Morgan and Kirill Tulupov, who contributed one a piece.

Torrie Jung recorded 23 saves for the Thunder. Wichita incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Arizona's Adam Russo stopped 24 shots out of the 28 that he faced. The Sundogs incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.