TULSA, OK – Jay Dickman scored the only goal in the shootout, giving the Wichita Thunder a 3-2 victory over the Tulsa Oilers on Sunday evening. Dickman also delivered a power-play tally in the contest and Peter Bates scored his sixth goal of the year. Strauss Mann made 42 saves to earn the victory.

Tulsa jumped out on top 7:38 into the contest. After the Thunder turned the puck over at the Tulsa blueline, Max Golod led a rush toward the Wichita end. Golod passed the puck across the slot to Dante Sheriff, who blasted a one-timer past Mann for his fourth goal of the year.

The Oilers held that lead for the next 30 to minutes and looked like they would take the one goal edge into the second intermission, but Bates tied the score with 14 seconds left in the second period. Kenny Hausinger passed the puck to Bates in the slot, who moved in on Gage Alexander, shifting to his forehand before going back to his backhand, then tucking the puck just inside the far post to tie the score at one.

Wichita took the lead 8:30 into the third when Dickman netted his 10th goal of the season. Brayden Watts took a shot from near the goal that Dickman redirected past Alexander to give the Thunder a 2-1 advantage.

The lead held for just under four minutes, however, Jackson Leef tied the score at 11:22, netting his fourth goal of the season. Tyler Poulsen took a shot that deflected off Leef’s skate and in to knot the game at two.

Mann had been spectacular through regulation, facing 18 shots in the second and 14 in the third, as the netminder made 40+ saves for the fourth time in his eight appearances this season, and third in the last four games.

Neither team scored in the extra session, sending the contest to a shootout. Dickman scored on the first attempt for the Thunder. Mann then shut down Tulsa on each of their three attempts, securing the victory for the Thunder.

The Oilers were 0-4 or with the man advantage, as Wichita has killed off their last 11 penalty killing attempts.

The Wichita Thunder (20-11-3) return home on Friday where they will welcome the Allen Americans (11-19-1). The puck drops at 7:05.

Gamesheet

by Robert Pannier