Saturday Night's Game

Late Comeback Not Enough for Sundogs in 4-3 Loss
Arizona Stays Two Points Back of Fifth in Conference

PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ – In the closing minutes of the third period the Arizona Sundogs scored two goals less than two minutes apart to close the gap to one, but the Tulsa Oilers held on for a 4-3 win on Saturday night at Tim’s Toyota Center.

With the win the Oilers (14-8-2) sweep the weekend set against the Sundogs. Adam Smyth and Kyle Hood scored the late goals for Arizona (9-13-4) to set up the tight finish.

The Oilers opened up a 4-1 lead in the contest with a three-goal second period. Troy Ofukany made it a 2-0 lead for Tulsa 2:55 into the frame on a loose rebound between the circles. Mike Ullrich then extended the lead to three, scoring on a centering pass from the right-wing side midway through. Craig Macdonald put Arizona on the board with his seventh of the season after Luke Erickson forced a turnover behind the net and setup Macdonald in the slot with 7:23 to play.

Two minutes later Ryan Cramer made it a three-goal lead again for Tulsa with a power play goal at the top of the crease.

Ian Keserich earned the win for the Oilers with a 47 saves. Levente Szuper took the loss stopping 24. Scott Reid stopped all 11 shots he faced after relieving Szuper late in the second period.

Tulsa’s Dylan Clarke scored the first period’s only goal open up the game’s scoring.

The Oilers finished 1-for-5 on the power play and held the Sundogs scoreless in five man-advantage opportunities.

The Sundogs head on the road next week for a pair of games against the Rapid City Rush before the Christmas holiday. Wednesday’s game is scheduled for a 6:35 PM MST start.

The Arizona Sundogs are the Central Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes. Their sixth season is brought to you by Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel and the team will also host the 2012 CHL All-Star Game in January. Season tickets, mini-plan, and single-game ticket information is now available by calling (928) 759-6600 or visiting arizonasundogs.com.

Friday Night's Game

Late Third Period Goal Stings Sundogs in 4-3 Loss
Arizona Stays Two Points Back of Fifth Place

PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ – David Solway’s goal late in the third period proved to be difference on Friday night as the Tulsa Oilers topped the Arizona Sundogs by a 4-3 final at Tim’s Toyota Center.

Solway’s tally came at the left side of the goal crease with 4:20 to play.

The Sundogs (9-12-4) carried a 3-2 lead into the third period after Adam Smyth scored from the front of the net with two minutes left in the second, but the Oilers (12-8-2) tied it midway through the third courtesy of Dylan Clarke.

Arizona opened up the scoring in period one, scoring a pair of goals 14 seconds apart. JP Chabot buried a rebound on the power play with 6:04 left the period, then moments later Samson Mahbod scored his third of the season driving the net on an odd-man rush. Mike Ullrich cut into the Sundogs lead with power play goal of his own in the period’s closing minutes.

Ryan Cramer also scored for Tulsa in the second period.

Mike Garman earned the win for the Oilers with 31 saves. Scott Reid took the loss stopping 35.

Both the Sundogs and Oilers went 1-for-4 on the power play.

Arizona closes out their home stand on Saturday in a second matchup with Tulsa. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 PM MST. Next week the Sundogs travel to Rapid City for a pair of games.

The Arizona Sundogs are the Central Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes. Their sixth season and the 2012 CHL All-Star Game on January 11th are brought to you by Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel. Season tickets, mini-plan, and single-game ticket information is now available by calling (928) 759-6600 or visiting arizonasundogs.com.

Photo Credit: MSP Photography