The Wichita Thunder relied on the scoring touch of Todd Griffith, who netted two goals, to beat the Allen Americans, 4-1.

Griffith scored at 16:47 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Wichita and again while 2:49 into the second to make the score 2-0 Wichita.

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

The Thunder relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Chad Painchaud, Griffith and Gregor Hanson took 17 of the team's 30 shots.

Wichita also got a goal from RG Flath as well. In addition, Wichita received assists from Les Reaney, who had two and Neil Trimm, Travis Wight, and Kevin Young, who each chipped in one.

Allen stifled Wichita's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

The Americans were led by Trevor Ludwig, who scored the team's only goal. Ludwig scored on the power play 4:18 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Wichita. A slashing penalty on Reaney had put Allen on the power play. Todd Robinson assisted on the tally.

Torrie Jung rejected 15 shots on goal for the Thunder. Wichita incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Aaron Dell recorded 26 saves for the Americans. Allen incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors.