Thunderbolts

The Thunder has lost centerman Matt Byrnes in the completion of the trade for defenseman Jason Tessier.

The Thunder acquired Tessier from Amarillo for future considerations in the preseason. Amarillo traded those futures to Texas. As part of the agreement, the Thunder was allowed to protect an undisclosed number of players on the active roster. Texas then selected from the unprotected players today, choosing Byrnes. Bilodeau said that Texas then traded Byrnes to Rio Grande.

Tessier, a four-time CHL All-Star, leads Thunder defenseman with six goals. He has 17 points, three power-play goals and seven power play assists. Byrnes had 10 points in 25 games, including two game-winning goals.

“He played well for us,” Bilodeau said of Byrnes. “I lose a quality person on and off the ice. I lose a decent centerman who could kill penalties and a guy with a lot of speed.”

Injury: Captain Brad Thompson will miss tomorrow’s game with an undisclosed injury. He should be back for the weekend’s games, Bilodeau said.

I am a huge Colts fan, so I’m obviously in a lousy mood today. But I sure am happy for good guy Darren Sproles! (Not really, but the last thing I need is lunatic K-Staters e-mailing me.) Despite my disappointment, I (well, the Eagle, but why quibble) am still going to give out tickets to the Thunder game on Tuesday night against Arizona. The winner gets eight tickets (the regular four, plus coupons for four more as part of the team’s buy-one, get-one promotion). There are rules and regulations below you’ll want to memorize, and I’ll add one more: If you like Darren Sproles, if you’ve been to the San Diego zoo, or if you’ve ever worn anything powder blue in your life, you’re not eligible to win. Sorry. My tickets, my rules. Not that I’m bitter.

Here we go. First one to e-mail me at klong@wichitaeagle.com with the correct answer to the following question gets the tickets.

Question: Jason Duda has been named team MVP three times (and perhaps headed for No. 4 this season). Travis Clayton was team MVP twice (and headed for no more). Who was the last forward other than Duda or Clayton to be named Thunder MVP?

No purchase necessary.

Prize: Four tickets to the Thunder game on Saturday night. First person to e-mail klong@wichitaeagle.com with the correct answer is the winner.

By entering, you confirm and represent that you meet the age eligibility requirement of 18 years of age or older. You waive any potential legal claims, hold harmless and will not attempt to hold The McClatchy Company, The Wichita Eagle, their employees, agents and assigns liable.

Employees of The Wichita Eagle and the McClatchy Company, their distributors, contractors, agents, immediate families and household members are ineligible.

By entering, you allow The Eagle to use your name and address for marketing purposes, and the winner grants The McClatchy Company and The Eagle the right to use their name and/or likeness for promotional purposes without further compensation.

Winner may be required to sign a statement of eligibility and a liability release prior to receiving the prize. Entrants agree that The Eagle and The McClatchy Company, their subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents are not liable for, and will be held harmless against, any and all claims for injury, loss or damage of any kind, including, but not limited to, cancellation of the performance and/or event, resulting directly or indirectly from participation in this contest or from acceptance or use of any prize.

Any taxes and fees are solely the responsibility of the winner. Entrants agree that Kansas.com, The Eagle and the McClatchy Company decisions regarding contest entries and winner are final and binding. Void where prohibited by law.

Stan Yanchishyn will return to the lineup tonight. He hasn’t played since Nov. 29 because of an undisclosed injury. Pascal Bedard has been placed on 14-day injured reserve because of an … yep, undisclosed injury.