Oilers Clip Thunder in Season Opener, 4-3
Published on October 19, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS - Wichita fell behind early and couldn't recover, losing their home and season opener to the Tulsa Oilers, 4-3, on Friday Night at INTRUST Bank Arena. Matt Summers and Kevin Young led the way with two points for Wichita while David Beauregard and Gary Steffes paced the Oilers with two points as well. The Thunder return to action tomorrow night against Tulsa at 7:05 p.m.
The Oilers jumped out to a three-goal lead, getting scores from Michel Beausoleil, Steffes and Ben Gordon. Matt Tassone got the Thunder on the board at 5:39 of the second period after he initially missed a centering feed from Ian Lowe. He stayed with the play and beat rookie net-minder Dan Bakala to make it 3-1.
In the third, Matt Summers deflected a Dave Inman shot into the net and cut the lead to one, making it 3-2. Ryan Cramer answered for Tulsa at 16:41 to make it 4-2. The Thunder answered quickly, however, as RG Flath banged home a rebound just 19 seconds later to make it 4-3.
Bakala shut the door down the stretch and was able to give the Oilers their first win of the season, holding on for a 4-3 victory. He made 25 saves on 28 shots while Kevin Regan stopped 16 of the 20 shots he faced for the Thunder.
The 2012-2013 season is fast approaching. Don't miss any of the action! Get your season tickets TODAY with a $50 non-refundable deposit. Contact the Wichita Thunder Office for season or individual game tickets, which are on sale now! Stop by anytime Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at or call (316) 264-4625. Stay up-to-date on all the news this off-season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from October 19, 2012
- Mavericks Fall in Overtime to Cutthroats in Season Opener, 4-3 - Kansas City Mavericks
- Oilers Clip Thunder in Season Opener, 4-3 - Wichita Thunder
- Surma & Baker Lead the Way as Rush Win Season Opener 5-4 - Rapid City Rush
- Blaze Battle Back But Fall Short to Rush - Bloomington Blaze
- CHL Announces Season-Opening Rosters - CHL
- Rush Drop the Puck on 2012-13 Season Tonight in Bloomington - Rapid City Rush
- Shots from the Point for October 19, 2012 - CHL
- Cutthroats Announce Opening Night Roster - Denver Cutthroats
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