TULSA, Okla. – Christmas night at the BOK Center was in danger of being a disappointment for the Tulsa Oilers. Then the third period started. Down 2-1 entering the final frame, Tulsa scored twice in the span of 11 seconds and totaled four goals in the period to stun the visiting Wichita Thunder with a 5-2 win.
Alex Bourret and Matt Robinson gave the visitors a 2-0 lead midway through the second, but Mike Ullrich brought the Oilers to life just 25 seconds after Robinson’s tally. Ullrich used his size and speed to find open ice and wristed a shot past Ryan MacDonald at the 12:05 mark of the middle period. It was the 16th goal of the season for Ullrich, who moved back into a tie for first place in the Central Hockey League in goals scored.
It took the Oilers just 1:29 to even the score in the third period. Defenseman Sean Erickson tipped a puck past MacDonald after a strong shift from forwards Gary Steffes, David Solway, and Michel Beausoleil.
Before the fans were back in their seats, Ryan Raven streaked down the right wing and beat MacDonald to give the Oilers their first lead of the evening.
At 4:29, Marty Standish won a face off to Raven on the left side and the rookie out of Mercyhurst College promptly found the back of the net again to give the home side a two-goal advantage. Raven registered his first multi-goal game as a professional and six of his nine points have been scored in the month of December.
With MacDonald out of the net and less than two minutes on the clock, Ryan Cramer’s empty net goal sealed the victory for the Oilers.
Tulsa evened the season series with Wichita at 4-4 and snapped a three-game losing streak to the Thunder.
Pro Hockey News’ Les Stockton photographed all the action Sunday night at the BOK Center and has submitted the following images from the contest.
Tulsa forward Jay Sprague moves the puck up ice.
Tulsa%27s Ryan Kramer sends a shot in. Kramer scored on an empty-netter later in the game.
Tulsa%27s Dylan Clarke and Wichita%27s Matt Robinson collide near the crease.
Wichita defenseman Jarred Mohr.
Wichita goalie Ryan McDonald prepares to defend an attack by Tulsa%27s Mike Ullrich.
Wichita defenseman Travis Wight tries to stop a shot by Tulsa%27s Mike Ullrich.
Tulsa%27s Michel Beausoleil.
Tulsa%27s Ryan Kramer is pursued by Wichita defenseman Travis Wight.
The Oilers have won four of their last five games and return to action Tuesday night against the Allen Americans.
Contact the photographer at les.stockton@prohockeynews.com
Contact the editor at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com
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