FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2018
Wichita rides a big first period to a 4-1 win over Tulsa to salvage a weekend split at the BOK Center.
Tulsa Oilers vs Wichita Thunder at the BOK Center, March 11, 2018 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Photo: TeeJay Crawford
TULSA, OK – One night after the Tulsa Oilers whitewashed Wichita 3-0, the Thunder salvaged a weekend split with a 4-1 win over the Oilers Sunday at the BOK Center.
The Thunder dominated the first period, outshooting the Oilers 15-2. Ralph Cuddemi factored into both Wichita goals in the frame. Cuddemi set up Ryan Van Stralen with a pass across the slot that Van Stralen fired into the top of the net 3:48 into the game. Mark MacMillan then found Cuddemi cutting to the net and threaded a pass behind the Oilers defense leading to the second goal.
Tulsa had a much better second period, putting up 15 shots to Wichita’s six, but the teams exchanged goals. Ryan Tesink brought the Oilers to within one, when he cut through the slot and beat goaltender Nick Riopel, but MacMillan tipped in a centering pass from Van Stralen off of a Tulsa turnover to put the Thunder back ahead by two.
Jon Puskar made it 4-1 in the third period, when he picked off an Oilers cross-ice pass fired a shot past the blocker of Tulsa goalie Devin Williams on a breakaway. Wichita cruised to victory to go back ahead by five points over the Oilers in the Mountain Division standings with ten games remaining.
The Oilers will return to action Friday, when they host the Kansas City Mavericks at 7:05pm on the York Plumbing Ice at the BOK Center for St. Patrick’s Night. The Oilers will wear special jerseys sponsored by Midleton’s Bar and Grill. The player-worn jerseys will be auctioned off following the game. Tickets are available by calling 918-632-7825 or visiting www.tulsaoilers.com.
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