BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Steelheads (5-7-2) broke out early and earned one point but fell 5-4 in overtime to the Tulsa Oilers (6-1-4) on Saturday night at CenturyLink Arena.
The Steelheads scored the opening three goals of the first period starting at 3:28 when Steelheads forward A.J. White deflected a shot coming from forward Connor Chatham to take a 1-0 lead. The Steelheads doubled the lead, 2-0, at 5:07 thanks to a shot from Spencer Naas in the slot followed by forward Steve McParland scoring on a one-time shot at 15:27, which tripled the lead to 3-0. The Oilers answered late in the frame at 17:03 from defenseman Steven Kaunisto to cut the lead to 3-1.
A late goal in the second period at 19:09 from Oilers defenseman Roman Ammirato drew the road side within one, 3-2, but the Steelheads spread the lead again in the third period. At 2:34, Steelheads defenseman Nolan Gluchowski made a beautiful move to cash in on a backhanded shot for his first goal of his professional career, opening the lead to 4-2. The Oilers came back with goals from forwards Adam Pleskach at 10:20 and Stephen Perfetto at 19:05 with the extra attacker on to send the game to overtime, 4-4.
In overtime, Ammirato found the back of the net at 4:45 to seal the 5-4 win for the Oilers but give the Steelheads one point in the overtime loss. Oilers netminder Devin Williams (4-1-2) halted 29 of 33 shots in the win, while Steelheads goaltender Ryan Faragher (1-2-1) stopped 36 of 41 shots in the overtime loss.
The Steelheads open a three-game weekend and continue their home stand against the Rapid City Rush on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 7:10 p.m. from CenturyLink Arena. Tickets are available by calling 383-0080 or going to www.IdahoSteelheads.com. Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on 1350AM KTIK and ECHL TV with television coverage starting at 7:00 p.m. on CableOne Channel 72.