Tulsa’s 5-2 win at Toledo on February 1 inserted a new name smack-dab in between two of the Oilers’ biggest all-time scorers. For years, Tulsa’s all-time goal scorer list was capped by Luc Beausoleil and Doug Lawrence. The duo, part of Tulsa’s 1992-93 CHL championship team, scored goals at a blistering pace, helping to re-ignite the city’s love of hockey after an eight-year absence.
They scored so many goals; Beausoleil 286, and Lawrence 153, that their numbers were retired and now proudly hang in the rafters of the BOK Center. Now there’s another name on the list – Adam Pleskach.
The Beausejour, Manitoba native netted a hat trick in Toledo, helping to move him past Lawrence and into second place with 156 goals. His first goal of the game not only tied the game and moved him into second place behind Beausoleil, it was also his 300th career point. The effort was his second hat trick of the season and seventh of his career.
“It’s a tribute to him, the fact that he’s able to keep putting up these points,” Oilers Head Coach Rob Murray said during a recent television interview on Oklahoma Sportscene.
“I don’t see how he can’t play for many years to come, he’s valuable to the team,” Murray added.
Tulsa Oilers Captain Adam Pleskach / Les Stockton (PHN)
When asked about the accomplishment, the sixth-year Oiler said that moving up the scoring list was not a goal for him. Instead, he believes it is a sign of his longevity and consistency. The team captain added that his goal involves the post-season.
“I’m happy that I can still produce (goals) as I get older, but taking this team on a run in the playoffs is paramount at this point,” said Pleskach.
He added that Oilers fans deserve a sustained playoff run, especially after a three-year playoff drought following two consecutive seasons that saw first-round exits.
“Hockey has been a part of this place for so long, the longtime fans deserve to see a winner after giving their support – win or lose, for all this time,” he said.
The Oilers appear to be in good position to punch a ticket to the Kelly Cup playoffs. With 23-games remaining, Tulsa sits in third place in the Mountain Division, three points behind Idaho and Utah who are tied in first place. As captain, part of Pleskach’s job is to make sure his teammates are motivated for the playoff push. It is a part of his job that he says is not hard.
“No one wants to go home in the first week of April and have to watch other teams continue their seasons,” he said before adding that players must play for their jobs. “No job is ever very safe in our league, but helping your team win games helps.”
Pleskach says Tulsa fans deserve a winning legacy / Les Stockton (PHN)
As a developmental league, Pleskach said that the biggest motivating factor in the ECHL is being called up to a higher league.
“Probably the biggest motivation, especially for younger guys, is to elevate your game to give teams at the next level a reason to call you up,” Pleskach said.
Pleskach and the Oilers have a little time to rest up, thanks to last Tuesday’s game at Kansas City being postponed due to poor road conditions. They will need to get as much rest as possible, as they begin a stretch of five games in six days when they travel to Wichita to take on the Thunder on Tuesday, February 12.
Tulsa then travels to Kansas City the following day to take on the Mavericks, before they return home next weekend for a Friday night game with Wichita and a two-game set with the Worcester Railers on Saturday and Sunday.
Contact the writer: John.Hall@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer: Les.Stockton@prohockeynews.com
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