Oilers Edge Thunder on Christmas
Published on December 25, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
TULSA, OK- The Wichita Thunder lost 6-5 to the Tulsa Oilers at the BOK Center on Saturday night.
Chad Costello's power play goal at 11:22 in the third period broke a 5-5 tie that stood for the remainder of the game. A.J. Gale had scored at 8:40 in the third from the left faceoff circle to tie the game.
The teams combined for seven goals in the second period, beginning with Aaron Davis's score at 1:25. Davis shot from between the left corner and Tulsa's net, slicing the puck over the left shoulder of Tulsa netminder Ian Keserich. Tulsa took a 3-1 lead 11 seconds later when Anthony Battaglia crashed into Marc-Antoine Gelinas, allowing the puck to slide over the goal line. Lance Galbraith helped Wichita pull within one for a second time in the period at 4:10, winning a battle in front of the net with help from A.J. Gale.
The Oilers took a 4-2 advantage at 16:08 on a power play goal from Sean Erickson. Tulsa collapsed on the net, setting up Erickson for a high shot from the slot that was buried under the right corner. Wichita then scored twice within 31 seconds to tie the game. Jesse Bennefield jammed the puck past the left of Keserich at 16:46 after getting a perfect backdoor pass from Bobby Hughes to finish an odd-man rush. Matt Robinson made it 4-4 at 17:17, squeezing a shot inside the right post from the edge of the left faceoff circle. Harrison Reed drove in a loose puck to the left of Gelinas with seven seconds left in the period to give the Oilers a 5-4 lead.
Jack Combs scored the first goal of the night, banging home a backdoor pass to finish a two-on-one play at 4:11 in the opening period. Evan Kotsopoulos made it 2-0 Tulsa, scoring just under the left side of the crossbar at 8:59 after skating by the Thunder defense.
The Thunder outshot the Oilers 52 to 24. The 52 shots on goal were a new season high. Gelinas took the loss, saving 18 of 24. Keserich earned the win, stopping 47 of 52. Wichita was 1 for 2 on the power play. The Oilers were 2 for 3.
The Thunder hosts the Missouri Mavericks on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. 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 December 25, 2010
- Oilers Edge Thunder on Christmas - Wichita Thunder
- Merry Christmas: PrairieThunder Back on Home Ice Sunday Afternoon - Bloomington PrairieThunder
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.
