CHL Tulsa Oilers

Blaze Bombard Oilers on Teddy Bear Toss Night

Published on December 9, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release


TULSA, OK - The Tulsa Oilers surrendered a season high 42 shots on goal, matched their season high in goals allowed, and dropped their third straight game with an 8-3 setback to the Bloomington Blaze in Central Hockey League action at the BOK Center on Saturday night.

Bloomington, which improved to 3-0 in Tulsa this season, picked up the first goal of the contest on a wrap-around by Travis Granbois just 2:49 into the first period. With the Oilers on a powerplay, Blaze forward Kyle Bochek found himself on a shorthanded breakaway and fired a shot that was initially ruled by the referee to have hit the crossbar. As Bochek celebrated and then complained to the officials, the Oilers moved the puck down the ice and Ryan Menei blasted the puck past Blaze goaltender Pier-Olivier Pelletier. It appeared as if the Oilers had tied the game and teddy bears rained down onto the BOK Center ice. During the delay, referee Brent Coulombe consulted with the goal judge and concluded that Bochek's shot had indeed crossed the goal line. Instead of a 1-1 tie, the Oilers were down 2-0 just five minutes into the opening period. Tulsa center Gary Steffes capitalized on partial breakaway moments after being released from the penalty box, but the Blaze responded with two more goals from Jesse Dudas and Ryan Palmer to take a 4-1 lead into the first intermission.

When Matthew Larke gave the visitors a 5-1 lead at 12:34 of the second, Oilers Head Coach Bruce Ramsay lifted goaltender Mike Garman and Ian Keserich was called into action. Garman, who replaced Keserich on Friday night in Wichita, gave up five goals on 26 shots.

Trailing 7-1 in the third, Tulsa picked up goals from Gio Flamminio and Ben Gordon but the game was well out of reach. Aaron Dawson's empty net tally in the closing minute gave Bloomington a new franchise record for goals scored in a single game. Eight different players scored for the Blaze.

The Oilers, who also gave up eight goals to Wichita on October 20, have allowed 21 goals in their last three games.

Tulsa will try to turn things around on Sunday afternoon in Fort Worth. The Oilers and the Brahmas will face off at 4:05 p.m. in the sixth meeting of the season between the two clubs.

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 9, 2012


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