Oilers Sneak by Thunder in Front of Record Crowd
Published on January 23, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder lost 2-1 to the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday night in the inaugural game at the INTRUST Bank Arena. The arena hosted a Thunder-record 13,412 fans in the team's first sellout at their new home. Ian Keserich stopped 39 of 41 shots, but the Oilers came from behind with two third period goals for the win.
The arena opened with a bang when Shane Foster bouted with Tulsa's Thomas Harrison. Less than three minutes later, JR Bria and Tyler Fleck engaged in a rematch from Friday night. Harrison dropped the gloves a second time, taking on Brett Beauchamp inside the 12-minute mark.
Wichita finally broke the scoreless tie at 9:13 into the second. Shane Foster was robbed of a goal on a one-timer that Trevor Cann kicked behind the net. Foster picked up his own rebound, wrapped around the left side of the crease and took a backhander that Cann left in front of the net. Paul Kelly walked into the loose puck and slid it underneath a sprawled out Cann to earn the first goal in the history of the building. Ian Keserich picked up where Scott Campbell left off on Friday night, stopping all 16 of Tulsa's shots in the second. The most impressive came with just over 13 minutes left in the period. Keserich deflected a shot in the air and was forced to stop the rebound by falling back and closing his legs on the puck before it ever hit the ground.
Tulsa raillied in the third to tie it on a wrist shot from TJ Caig at 5:21. Caig fanned on his attempt from the right circle, but had enough on the shot to take a bounce past the right of Keserich. Thomas Harrison deflected a rebound past the left of the Thunder goaltender at 12:51 to give Tulsa the lead. The go-ahead score came seconds after Travis Banga had a goal waved off that rang under the crossbar. Keserich faced another 17 shots in the third, and denied Caig on a breakaway while the game was still tied. Wichita had a couple of chances with an extra attacker, including a last second shot by Brandon Kaleniecki that sailed just over the crossbar.
Cann saved 25 of 26 to earn the victory. Wichita went 3 for 3 on the penalty kill, and 10 for 10 in their two games against the Oilers. The Thunder was 0 for 4 on the power play. JR Bria picked up his second fighting major of the game in the second period, taking on Jake Riddle.
The Thunder next plays on Friday, January 29th when they host the Mississippi RiverKings at the INTRUST Bank Arena. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-GOAL.
Central Hockey League Stories from January 23, 2010
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- Sibbald's Goaltending Leads RiverKings Sweep of Mavericks - Mississippi RiverKings
- Americans squash Mudbugs in 5-1 home win - Allen Americans
- Huge Third Period Comeback Lifts Bucks To Win - Laredo Bucks
- Oilers Sneak by Thunder in Front of Record Crowd - Wichita Thunder
- Mavericks Lose Third Straight, 5-1 to Mississippi - Kansas City Mavericks
- Four unanswered goals pilots Amarillo's victory - Amarillo Gorillas
- Too Little Too Late Again For Eagles - Colorado Eagles
- Americans Race By Mudbugs 5-1 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Something for Everyone on Puska on Pucks - OSC Original by Denis Puska
- Bucks Close Out Road Trip Tonight In Rapid City - Laredo Bucks
- Five-time U.S. Figure Skating National Showcase Champion to perform at tonight's game - Allen Americans
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