Thunder Drop Tight One in Tulsa, 3-2

Tulsa, OK (Nov. 23rd) - Jon Booras scored two goals, including the game-winner halfway through the third period to help Tulsa (8-4-1-1) knock off Wichita (5-6-1-2) on Sunday afternoon by the final score of 3-2 at the BOK Center. Theo Peckham and Kurtis Bartliff recorded the Thunder goals in the losing effort. Wichita drops to 1-1-1-2 in the StoneWolf Casino Cup Series and will host the Oilers a week from tonight.

Just four minutes in, Wichita scored first when a clearing attempt was immediately fired towards the net by Theo Peckham and caught Kevin Carr out of position to give the Thunder a 1-0 lead. Tempers flared several times between the two teams, but neither club had the luxury of enjoying a power play chance in the opening 20 minutes. Tulsa tied the game with just 59 seconds remaining when Kyle O'Kane got loose through the slot and lifted a wrist shot over Tyler Bunz' shoulder.

The game continued to see-saw in the second period as both teams found the back of the net. Bartliff re-gained the lead for the Thunder with a highlight reel goal as he was falling down heading to the net at 10:39 and beat Carr to make it 2-1. Tulsa would even things with their second shorthanded goal against the Thunder this week with less than two minutes remaining in the period. Booras skated in all alone on Bunz and put a backhand off the left post, hit the right post and slid past the goal line to make it 2-2.

Tulsa was awarded three power plays in the final period and finally capitalized when Erick Lizon was sent off for a high stick at 11:40. Booras scored six seconds later right after the face-off to give Tulsa their first lead of the game. Wichita had a late power play with 2:39 remaining and pulled Bunz for the extra attacker. The Oilers got through the man advantage and held on for a 3-2 victory.

Wichita and Tulsa had a game decided in regulation for the first time this season at the BOK Center. The Thunder hit the 30-shot mark once again, pushing their streak to eight games. Peckham's unassisted goal was his first of the season. Bunz recorded an assist on the second Thunder goal and has assists in two-straight games. He took the loss, stopping 22 of 25 shots. Carr claimed his eighth win, stopping 28 of 30 shots he faced.

Wichita went 0-for-4 on the power play. Tulsa was 1-for-4 with the man advantage.

Wichita begins a busy week with four games in five days on Wednesday night when the Quad City Mallards come in for the first time this season. Wednesday night is College ID and Half Price Beer Night. College students with a vaild ID can get $5 tickets for the game.

Individual tickets are on sale now. Don't delay! Tickets can be purchased at the INTRUST Arena Box office, by calling 755-SEAT or go online at www.selectaseat.com. Stay up-to-date on all the news during the season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com.

About the ECHL

The ECHL began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states and has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 28 teams in 20 states and one Canadian province for its 27th season in 2014-15. There have been 541 players who have started their career in the ECHL have gone on to play in the National Hockey League, including 29 who made their NHL debuts in the 2013-14 season. The ECHL had affiliations with 26 of the 30 NHL teams in 2013-14, marking the 17th consecutive season that the league had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com, as well as on Twitter and Facebook.

-Thunder-