2026

Originally posted on Inside The Rink | By Jeremy Castucci | Last updated Nov 12, 2026 9:14 AM ET

Thornton Steals the Show in Wichita

Wichita threw everything it could at Anson Thornton on Wednesday, but the Idaho Steelheads goaltender never gave the Thunder a chance. Thornton stopped all 43 shots he faced, turning in an outstanding performance as Idaho earned a 2-0 shutout victory at INTRUST Bank Arena.

Wichita came out aggressively, putting Idaho on its heels early and building a 17-4 edge in shots during the opening period. Thornton saw plenty of action right away, while the Steelheads struggled to generate much offense at the opposite end. Still, he handled the early barrage, and neither team broke the scoreless tie before the first intermission.

The Thunder kept creating chances in the second period, but Idaho gradually found its footing. The Steelheads generated more offensive pressure, outshooting Wichita 11-9 in the frame. More importantly, they made one of those opportunities count.

Nevers Breaks the Deadlock

At 15:19 of the second period, Mason Nevers found the back of the net to give Idaho a 1-0 lead. It was Nevers’ third goal of the season, with Dylan Gratton and Niilopekka Muhonen picking up the assists.

NEVERS

Opens up scoring for the fish at the 15 minute mark in the 2nd

Gratton, Muhonen pic.twitter.com/CzRPxX6wPV
— Idaho Steelheads (@Steelheads) November 11, 2026

The goal gave the Steelheads an advantage heading into the final 20 minutes, but Wichita wasn’t going away. The Thunder came out looking for an equalizer and put another 17 shots on Thornton in the third period.

Idaho managed only six shots in the third period as Wichita pushed hard for an equalizer. Thornton was kept busy, facing wave after wave of Thunder chances, but Wichita couldn’t get one past him. He turned aside the late pressure and carried Idaho’s one-goal advantage into the closing minutes.

Portz Puts the Game Away

Wichita eventually pulled goaltender Connor Hasley for an extra attacker, hoping to find a late equalizer. Instead, the move allowed Idaho to put the game away.

Nick Portz scored into the empty net at 18:58, extending the Steelheads’ lead to 2-0. Jordan Steinmetz earned the assist on Portz’s second goal of the season, locking in the victory for Idaho.

Portz

Steelheads bag the empty net goal for a 2-0 lead! pic.twitter.com/rHO04XZt1T
— Idaho Steelheads (@Steelheads) November 11, 2026

Thornton finished with 43 saves on 43 shots to earn the shutout and first-star honors. Nevers received second-star recognition for his game-winning goal, while Hasley was named the third star after stopping 19 of the 20 shots he faced before leaving for the extra attacker.

A Road Win Built on Goaltending

Wichita finished the night with a commanding 43-21 advantage in shots on goal, but Idaho made its opportunities count. Neither team scored on the power play, with the Steelheads finishing 0-for-2 and the Thunder going 0-for-3.

For Idaho, the difference was a goaltender who refused to let the opposition back in. Thornton absorbed the pressure, Nevers supplied the breakthrough, and Portz provided the insurance.

The Steelheads leave Wichita with a shutout victory, and the Thunder are left looking for answers against a goaltender who turned away every shot they sent his way.