TULSA, Okla. – The Idaho Steelheads (0-1-1) pressed late but came just short in a 2-1 loss to the Tulsa Oilers (1-0-0) on Saturday night at BOK Center.
The Oilers started the game with the opening goal at 9:20 with a shot from the right side by forward Adam Pleskach to take the early 1-0 lead. Oilers forward Jared Thomas spread the lead to 2-0 at 17:26 with a shot from the slot coming from behind the net.
The Steelheads fell into a groove as the second and third periods wore on, creating multiple chances to cut into the lead. Despite a late penalty, the Steelheads found a way to cut the lead in half, 2-1, at 18:58 when forward Brad McClure took away a pass in front of the Tulsa net. Despite a late push with the goaltender pulled, the Steelheads fell just short in the 2-1 loss.
Oilers netminder Devin Williams (1-0-0) stopped 32 of 33 shots in the win, while Steelheads goaltender Ryan Faragher (0-1-0) halted 23 of 25 shots in the loss. The Steelheads finish their opening weekend on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 3:05 p.m. from BOK Center against the Tulsa Oilers. Coverage begins at 2:50 p.m. MT on 1350-AM KTIK and ECHL TV.
The Steelheads open the 2018-19 home schedule at CenturyLink Arena on Friday, Oct. 19 at 7:10 p.m. against the Utah Grizzlies. Single-game tickets and season ticket packages are on sale, with full-season packages starting as low as $300 per seat. Contact the Idaho Steelheads at 208-383-0080 for more information or log on to idahosteelheads.com.
CenturyLink Three Stars of the Game:1. Alex Pleskach (TUL) - 1G-1A2. Devin Williams (TUL) - 32-33 SV3. Brad McClure (IDH) - SHG
Pepsi Player of the Game:Brad McClure - Scored a shorthanded goal to push Idaho close late in the game
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