TULSA, Oklahoma – The Tulsa Oilers opened the books on the 2009-10 home season on Saturday with a solid 3-1 win over the Wichita Thunder. A CHL season-high crowd of 9,040 witnessed newcomers Rob Hisey and T.J. Caig turn in two points each as the Oilers avenged a 5-1 loss to the Thunder on the previous night.
T.J. Caig
The Oilers displayed a tough defensive effort while deploying relentless puck pursuit throughout the night. Defenseman Derek Eastman got the first goal of the night at 15:24 of the first period, beating Thunder net minder Scott Campbell. Caig and Hisey were awarded the helpers on the goal. The score came during a four on four with Tulsa’s Michel Beausoleil (goalie interference) and Wichita’s Glenn Detulleo (tripping) serving minors in the sin bin.
Michel Beausoleil celebrates with teammates
Dallas Steward extended the Oilers lead at 18:52 of the second on a pass from Brett Pilkington with Marty Standish getting the secondary assist. The goal was Steward’s second in the last three games. Hisey would strike to put the Oilers up 3-0 at 6:24 of the third period, with assists coming from Beausoleil and Caig.
Kevin Armstrong
Rookie goaltender Kevin Armstrong was solid in net, as he stopped 21 of 22 Thunder shots. The lone goal came at 13:19 of the third when Detulleo ruined Armstrong’s bid for a shutout, Chris McAllister and Jason Duda were credited with the assists. Armstrong has not disappointed thus far, as he currently owns a 2-1 record with a save percentage of .875. While the Oilers continue to come together and gel as a team, one area that head coach Bruce Ramsay is sure to be addressing is the power play. Through three games they are 0 for 16 with the man advantage. On the flip side they currently own a 82.35 penalty kill percentage while sneaking in two shorthanded goals. The Oilers will look to improve those numbers when they return home to host the Northern Conference leading Rapid City Rush on Tuesday at 7:05 pm at the BOK Center.
Contact the author at
John.hall@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at
les.stockton@prohockeynews.comRelated
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