PHN Photo Essay – Allen Americans Vs. Tulsa Oilers 01/16/12

ALLEN, TX – Sean Erickson thought about shooting. With just over two minutes remaining in the third period, the Oilers defenseman raised his stick but didn’t pull the trigger. Instead, Erickson slid the puck to an open Jason Weeks who deftly tapped the puck into the net for the go-ahead goal and eventual game-winner in a 5-4 Tulsa win on Monday afternoon at the Allen Event Center. The victory snapped a four-game losing skid for the Oilers. Allen led 1-0 after the first period, but the Oilers capitalized on a two-man advantage less than a minute into the second period when Erickson’s wrist shot beat James Reid on the glove side.  Michel Beausoleil broke a ten-game goal scoring drought when he rifled home a slap-shot later in the frame to give Tulsa its first lead of the afternoon.  After Allen responded with its second power play goal of the game, Troy Ofukany tipped in a Luke Lucyk offering from the point to send the Oilers into the second intermission with a 3-2 lead. The Americans surged ahead in the third off of goals by Joshua Hepditch and yet another power play tally from Brian McMillin. Just two minutes later it was Terminesi with the answer. The Oilers rookie defenseman, who hadn’t scored a point in his last six games, teed up a blast from the point that evened the contest at 4-4.  Weeks’ fifth goal of the season came with 2:16 to play and the Oilers were able to hold on down the stretch to preserve the win. Steve Christie, making his first start in net for Tulsa, turned aside 37 of the 41 shots he faced to register his first win as an Oiler. Tulsa has wins over Allen in four of the five meetings this season. Pro Hockey News’ Chip Crail recorded all of the action at the Allen Event Center and has submitted the following images from the contest.

Allen goalie James Reid reaches for the puck.

Allen goalie James Reid reaches for the puck.

Tulsa defenseman Tyler Fleck collides with Allen winger Jim McKenzie along the boards.

Tulsa defenseman Tyler Fleck collides with Allen winger Jim McKenzie along the boards.

Tulsa goalie Steve Christie makes a diving stick save.

Tulsa goalie Steve Christie makes a diving stick save.

Tulsa%27s Gary Steffes prepares to do battle.

Tulsa%27s Gary Steffes prepares to do battle.

Allen goalie James Reid readies himself for an oncoming attack.

Allen goalie James Reid readies himself for an oncoming attack.

Americans center Jason Deitsch takes control of the puck.

Americans center Jason Deitsch takes control of the puck.

Linesman T.J. Nua drops the puck for a faceoff.

Linesman T.J. Nua drops the puck for a faceoff.

Allen goalie James Reid skates out to meet an oncoming attacker.

Allen goalie James Reid skates out to meet an oncoming attacker.

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Allen%27s Colton Yellow Horn pressures the Oilers%27 Michel Beausoleil.

Allen%27s Colton Yellow Horn pressures the Oilers%27 Michel Beausoleil.

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Allen defenseman Tyler Ludwig slides as he attempts a shot against a well-defended Steve Christie.

Allen defenseman Tyler Ludwig slides as he attempts a shot against a well-defended Steve Christie.

* Contact the photographer at chip.crail@prohockeynews.com Contact the editor at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com

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