WICHITA, KS – Julian Junca recorded the first shutout of his ECHL career on Friday, stopping 35 shots to lead the Tulsa Oilers to a 3-0 victory over the Wichita Thunder. Junca faced double-digit shots in each period, but denied the Thunder in every instance. Eddie Matsushima provided all the offense that Junica needed, scoring three goals in the third period for the hat trick. Eetu Makiniemi was the hardluck loser for Wichita, giving up one goal on 35 shots.

This was an incredible goaltending battle through the first two periods. While Junca was fantastic, it was Makiniemi stealing the show in the second, making 20 saves, including two highlight reel denials midway through the second period.

In the third, Matsushima finally broke a scoreless tie. At 1:45, the Tulsa forward moved down the left wing, then fired a shot that beat Makiniemi to the far corner for his 13th goal of the season

It remained a one goal Oilers advantage until the final minute of the contest. Wichita pulled Makiniemi for the extra attacker, but Matsushima delivered two empty net tallies in the span of 23 seconds to seal the victory and complete the hat trick. Michael Farren and Kyle Crnkovic each had two assists for the Oilers.

The Wichita Thunder (12-20-5) are off until Friday when they travel to South Carolina to take on the Stingrays (19-14-2) in a three-game series. The puck drops on Friday at 6:05 Wichita time.

Gamesheet

by Robert Pannier