The Tahoe Knight Monsters wrapped up a two-game series in Wichita on Saturday, with each team getting a win. The Knight Monsters are currently sitting in sixth place in the ECHL League, third in the Western Division. They have won 22 of the 38 games they have played so far in the season.
Friday – Two-Goal Third Period Propels Thunder Over Knight Monsters 3-2
The Tahoe Knight Monster fell to the Wichita Thunder in their first road game of 2026 by a score of 3-2.
In the first period, it was Jake Durflinger who found the back of the net for the fourth time this season to put Tahoe up 1-0 at the 5:35 mark. However, it was Wichita all-star forward Kyle Crnkovic who answered back just 31 seconds later to tie the game at 1 heading into the second period.
In the middle frame, Casey Bailey scored the lone goal. The former NHLer received a beautiful pass from Kaelan Taylor and finished off the chance on the back door to put Tahoe up 2-1 approaching the final 20.
In the third, Matt Crasa scored the equalizer at the 7:04 mark to make it 2-2, and then just three minutes later, it was Kansas native Ryan Finnegan who made his mark on the game, scoring the eventual game-winning goal as Wichita skated off home ice with a 3-2 victory.
Although he came out on the wrong side of the scoreboard, Knight Monsters goaltender Jordan Papirny played stellar in net, stopping 36 of 39 Thunder shots.
Saturday – Knight Monsters Win Regular Season Series Against Wichita with Exciting 4-3 Shootout Win
The Tahoe Knight Monsters, proud ECHL Affiliate of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights, defeated the Wichita Thunder 4-3 in a shootout in their final meeting of the regular season.
In the first period, Tahoe recorded the lone goal as forward Blake Wells scored on the backhand to record his first career ECHL goal, putting the Knight Monsters up 1-0 after the first period.
In the second, Wells scored again to put Tahoe up 2-0. In the final six minutes of the period, Nate Kallen scored his fifth of the season to put the Knight Monsters up by a trio of goals. However, with just 61 seconds left, Peter Bates scored shorthanded after a Tahoe turnover to cut the lead to 2 heading into the final 20.
In the final frame, Bates scored again at the 6:40 mark to make it 3-2 Tahoe. After earning a late power play and pulling goaltender Roddy Ross, the Thunder tied the game thanks to Noah Beck, as Wichita tied the game 3-3 and sent it into overtime.
After a scoreless overtime, the Knight Monsters headed to the shootout for the third time this season. It was Devon Paliani scoring in the second round to give Tahoe a 1-0 lead heading into the third and final round. However, Michal Stinil would tie it in the third round, and Tahoe couldn’t close the deal, sending it to a fourth round. After no score in round four, it was Mike O’Leary who closed the game out in round five of the shootout on the backhand, giving the Knight Monsters a 4-3 win and their first shootout win of the season.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters are the proud ECHL Affiliate of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights,
Tahoe continues its road trip next Friday, January 23, as they take on the Kansas City Mavericks. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:05 pm PT, with pregame coverage starting on the Knight Monsters broadcast network at 4:55 pm PT.
The Knight Monsters return home on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, to take on the Utah Grizzlies at Tahoe Blue Event Center. Puck drop is at 7:00 pm, with pregame coverage on the Knight Monsters broadcast network beginning at 6:50 pm.
The team has announced the dates of two rescheduled games in Rapid City that were cancelled due to the strike on December 27 and 28. The ROAD games will now be played on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18. These rescheduled road games will have no impact on any remaining home games this season. Puck drop for both games in Rapid City is scheduled for 6:05 pm PT.
Ticket packages for the 2025-26 season are now available. For more information, visit www.knightmonstershockey.com