Oilers Clip Thunder on Opening Night
October 15, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder lost 4-3 to the Tulsa Oilers in their 2010 season opener at the BOK Center on Friday night.
With the Thunder leading 3-2 in the second, Tulsa stole the game's momentum at the 9:46 mark when Michel Beausolei scored on a two-man Thunder advantage with a long shot from the right point. The Oilers used a two-man advantage of their own later in the period to take their first lead. Jack Combs made a wide-open backdoor pass to Chad Costello, who converted the feed into the eventual game-winning goal at 18:35.
The Oilers shut down four Wichita power plays in the third while stopping 1:10 worth of empty net time to hold on for the win. Wichita was 1 for 8 on the power play for the game.
Jesse Bennefield led the Thunder to an early 2-0 lead in the first. At 5:59, Bennefield took a circle-to-circle pass from Chris Falloon and wristed a shot from the left wing past the glove of Oilers' goaltender Trevor Cann. Bennefield struck again at 10:22, this time taking a shot from the left half-wall that deflected off an Oilers' defender and into the net.
Tulsa's Harrison Reed wiped away the early lead with a pair of goals coming at 11:10 and 18:37. The latter score came on the power play.
Bobby Hughes scored on a close-range backhander on a rebound from Matt Hubbauer 39 seconds into the second period to put the Thunder back in front at 3-2. The goal came on a power play that carried over from the end of the first.
Ian Keserich suffered the loss, saving 17 of 21. Trevor Cann earned the win saving 24 of 27, including a perfect third period in which he was 11 for 11. Tulsa was 2 for 5 on the power play. Ryan Hand picked up a fighting major, dropping the gloves with Chris Cloud in the second period.
The Thunder hosts its 2010 home opener on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. when they Oilers visit the INTRUST Bank Arena. A ceremony retiring Jason Duda's number '11' will take place before the game. For tickets, call the arena box office at (316) 755-SEAT or visit the Thunder's official website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from October 15, 2010
- Miscues Lead to Eagles Loss in Opener - Colorado Eagles
- Two Hat Tricks Highlight 10-1 Thrashing of 'Kings - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Mavericks Win Season Opener, 5-3 over Odessa - Kansas City Mavericks
- Williams' Four Points Help Sundogs Open Season with Win for First Time in Since 2007-08 Season - Arizona Sundogs
- Killer Bees Open Season With Victory - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Jacks Lose Season Opener to Missouri, 5-3 - Odessa Jackalopes
- Bucks Fall in Opener 4-2 - Laredo Bucks
- Bugs Bounce RiverKings in Season Opener 10-1 - Mississippi RiverKings
- Brahmas Open Season With 5-2 Loss - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Oilers Clip Thunder on Opening Night - Wichita Thunder
- Mallards, Mediacom Partner for "Between the Pipes"; Flock Opens - Quad City Mallards
- Joly, Chris Hau Waived from Eagles Roster - Colorado Eagles
- Witness the New Era Tonight - Wichita Thunder
- Game Tonight - Friday Oct 15 at 7:35pm at the Bok Center vs Wichita - Tulsa Oilers
- Bucks Open Season Tonight at Bees - Laredo Bucks
- Shots from the Point for October 15, 2010 - CHL
- CHL Launches New Website - CHL
- Sundogs Announce 2010-11 Regular Season Roster - Arizona Sundogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
