The Wichita Thunder tried their best to erase a three-goal deficit, but the Tulsa Oilers would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 4-3.

Tulsa made the score 3-0 on a goal by Ben Gordon at 4:20 in the second period, and Wichita got as close as 3-2 when Matt Summers scored 7:09 into the third period.

The Oilers were paced by Ryan Cramer, who tallied one goal. Cramer scored 16:41 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Tulsa. Matt Gingera assisted on the tally.

Tulsa's defensemen bolstered the Oilers' offensive attack, as they bombarded Kevin Regan with nine shots.

Tulsa additionally got points from Gary Steffes, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Tulsa also got a goal from Michel Beausoleil as well. In addition, Tulsa received assists from David Beauregard, who had two and Sean Erickson, Ryan Menei, and Matt Register, who each chipped in one.

The Thunder were held below their usual level of production. Wichita puts an average of 5.5 pucks into the net per game.

The Thunder were helped by Matt Tassone, who racked up one goal. Tassone scored on the power play 5:39 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Tulsa. Wichita had taken the advantage when Tulsa's Gingera got sent off for tripping. Ian Lowe picked up the assist. Wichita also got points from Summers, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. RG Flath also scored for Wichita. Other players who recorded assists for Wichita were Gregor Hanson, Chad Painchaud, David Inman, and Kevin Young, who contributed one a piece.

The Oilers' Dan Bakala stopped 25 shots out of the 28 that he faced. Tulsa incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Kevin Regan made 16 saves for the Thunder on 20 shots. Wichita incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.