Rapid City Rush goalie Matt Radomsky (31)
TULSA, Okla. – In a hard-fought battle at the BOK Center on Sunday, January 7, 2024, the Tulsa Oilers faced off against the Rapid City Rush in an intense ice hockey game. The Rush emerged victorious with a 4-3 win, marking their first triumph of the new year.
Rapid City Rush defenseman Grayson Valente (12)
The Rush’s victory tightened the standings, placing them just one point behind the Oilers for third place in the division. The Allen Americans are now in a tie with Tulsa for the same position.
Tulsa Oilers forward Kalvyn Watson (20)
Key contributors for the Rush included Blake Bennett and Alex Aleardi, who combined for two crucial goals. Bennett struck first, securing the initial goal of the game. Despite an early response from former Rush forward Tyler Poulson, the Rush quickly reclaimed the lead with a goal from Logan Nelson.
Tulsa Oilers defenseman Anthony Constantini (10), Rapid City Rush forward Keanu Yamamoto (20), Tulsa Oilers goalie Calle Clang (31)
As the game progressed, TJ Fergus assisted Mark Duarte in finding the back of the net, further solidifying the Rush’s advantage. Although Bennett added another goal for the Rush before the second intermission, Tulsa’s Kyle Crnkovic managed to close the gap, making it 4-2.
In a last-ditch effort, Brayden Sherbinin scored a one-timer with under five minutes left, his first goal as an Oiler, injecting hope into the Oilers’ chances, cutting
the Rapid City lead to 4-3. However, despite a near buzzer-beater that seemed to tie the game, the puck crossed the goal line after the
final horn, resulting in the negation of the marker. This turn of events secured the Rush’s 4-3 victory and two valuable standings points.
Tulsa Oilers forward Alec Butcher (13)
Rapid City Rush defenseman Tyson Helgesen (44)
Tulsa Oilers defenseman Karl Boudrias (16)
Contact the photographer: Les.Stockton@prohockeynews.com
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