TULSA, Okla. – The new-look Tulsa Oilers got the 2010-11 CHL season underway this past weekend, sweeping a home-and-home series from the arch-rival Wichita Thunder. Tulsa bounced back from a 2-0 deficit in the season opener on Friday at the BOK Center to defeat Wichita 4-3. Harrison Reed, who had earlier signed a five-day tryout, came up with two big first period goals to tie the game heading into the first intermission. 
“He’s a very welcomed addition; we don’t know how long we’re going to have him, but while we have him we’re going to take advantage of him.” Oilers Head Coach Bruce Ramsay said of the Lake Erie assignee. Michel Beausoliel and Chad Costello’s second period goals were then enough to secure the win in front of 5,826 fans. Trevor Cann saved 24 of 27 shots faced in his return to Tulsa. Cann posted a record of 11-6-1 last season before he was recalled to Lake Erie. Cann’s successful stint in Tulsa spawned the Oilers’ affiliation with the Monsters and their parent Colorado Avalanche. Cann earned 1st Star honors on Saturday night, stopping 35 shots as the Oilers spoiled the Thunder’s home opener at Intrust Bank Arena, 4-1. Gary Steffes was the second Oiler player in as many nights to have a multiple-goal game. Steffes scored early in the first then iced the game with his second, late in the third period. “Steffes is a relentless kind of player,” Ramsay said. “He’s got good skills, good size, skates well and just works non-stop. He’s going to be a good player in the future.” Through two games Costello and Jack Combs are tied for the team scoring-lead with four points each. Reed, Steffes and defenseman R.J. Linder, who has now played in just two games in the past year after suffering a season-ending injury last season, are nipping at their heels. “He’s still getting his legs under him but he played much, much better tonight,” Ramsay said of Linder after Saturday’s win. “He’s going to improve every day and as the season goes on he’ll just get better and better – I’m excited to have him.” Oilers fans also got a look at the player who appears to be the team’s go-to guy for fisticuffs this season. Chris Cloud, listed at 5’11” and 186 pounds, didn’t back down from challenges over the weekend while taking on 6’1” Ryan Hand and 6’5” Jason Goulet. “He’s a tough kid and he can play too,” Ramsay said. According to Ramsay, Cloud’s ice time has been limited due to what he calls a “small injury,” but promises that fans will like what they see when is fully recovered. He added that Cloud has more in his arsenal than just fists. “He stands up for his teammates; he’ll take on anyone,” Ramsay said. “I’m not scared to put him on the ice to play, he’s not just a one-dimensional player. “He’s the type of player that you like to have – He’s got a great shot, he’s got good skills, he skates well and he’s intimidating.” With opening weekend in the books, the Oilers are sitting atop the Berry (Southern) Conference standings at 2-0, alongside Bossier-Shreveport and Allen. Ramsay seems pleased with what he has seen as his team now prepares for a match-up at Bossier-Shreveport on Tuesday. “We’re young and I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Ramsay explained. “I’m excited. We’re still working on trying to get better. This is the kind of team, with the depth and youth we have, that I believe are going to improve a lot more during the season.” Contact the author at john.hall@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.