CHL Tulsa Oilers

Rush Rolls Past Oilers 6-2 on New Year's Eve

December 31, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release


RAPID CITY, SD - 2011 has been good to the Oilers but the year didn't end on a winning note for Tulsa. Behind two goals from Konrad Reeder and a strong performance in net by Danny Battochio, Rapid City controlled the final two periods of a 6-2 win on New Year's Eve.

After a scoreless first period for the second night in a row, Mike Vaskivuo put Rapid City out front with a powerplay marker at 2:37 of the second period. Gary Steffes quickly tied the game for Tulsa with a powerplay tally of his own but then Konrad Reeder came to life. The sixth year pro, in his second season with the Rush, used his speed to drive to the net and beat Ian Keserich to put the Rush up 2-1. Less than two minutes later, Reeder finished off a nifty passing play from Shawn Limpright and Collin Circelli to put the home side up by two goals. Jesse Schultz scored for Rapid City late in the period and the Oilers found themselves down 4-1 at the second intermission.

Sean Erickson gave Tulsa hope with his goal at 14:51 of the third, but it took just 22 seconds for the Rush to respond. Levi Lind banked a shot off a Tulsa stick and under Mike Garman to swell the lead back to three. With Tulsa on a six-on-four powerplay late in the game, Battochio flung a puck the length of the rink that rolled into the empty net. It's the first goal by a netminder in Rush history and put the finishing touches on the second win in as many night for Rapid City.

Ian Keserich played the first two periods in goal for Tulsa, making 17 saves on 21 shots. Garman took over in the third, making 10 saves on 11 shots.

The Oilers are back in action Friday night at Missouri. Puck drops at 7:05pm for the second meeting of the season against the Mavericks.

Tickets: Don't miss out on any of the Oilers remaining home games, get your tickets today! Call 918-632-7825 or visit tulsaoilers.com to find out how you can be a part of the action as the Oilers push toward the playoffs!




Central Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2011


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.

OurSports Central