Thunder Opens Season with 4-3 Loss to Tulsa

Wichita, KS (Oct. 15th) - Wichita rallied twice in the third period, but were unable to overcome its longtime rival on Saturday night as Tulsa claimed a 4-3 win at INTRUST Bank Arena. Jack Rodewald, Landon Oslanski and Alex Krushelnyski each scored for the Thunder in the losing effort.

Wichita got off to a quick start when Krushelnyski received a lead pass from Mitch Holmberg and scored on a breakaway past Oilers netminder Jamie Phillips to make it 1-0. The Oilers scored the next three, tying the game on a tally from Darcy Murphy halfway through the first.

Early in the second, Murphy added another at 1:33 with a backhand shot while falling away from the cage to make it 2-1. At 17:36, Shawn Bates increased the lead to 3-1 with a backhand down the right seam over Greenham's shoulder.

Oslanski cut the lead to one at 11:03 with a shot from the left wing circle while dragging it past the outreached defender and finding the net to make it 3-2, Oilers. Tulsa answered quickly, just 44 seconds later, with a rebound goal that appeared to clank off the post, but the goal was awarded to Adam Pleskach to make it 4-2.

Wichita pulled its goalie with 1:36 left and got within one when Jack Rodewald potted a rebound in the crease for his first of the season. The Thunder had chances in the last 20 seconds, but couldn't find the equalizer and lost by the final of 4-3.

Melindy, Holmberg and Marcotte earned assists in the losing effort. Wichita outshot the Oilers in the third by a count of 17-6. Greenham takes the loss, stopping 32 of 36 shots on net. In his first pro start, Phillips claims the win, stopping 31 of 34 shots he faced.

Wichita went 0-for-2 on the power play. Tulsa was 0-for-4 on the man advantage.

The Thunder remains home next Friday night when the Missouri Mavericks come to town for the first time this season, starting at 7:05 p.m.

Individual tickets for all Thunder home games are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased at the INTRUST Arena Box office, by calling 855-755-SEAT or go online at www.selectaseat.com.

Contact a Thunder representative at the office today to learn more about our great season, group and other ticket packet opportunities!

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