Tulsa World: Oilers expect a test from upstart Americans

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Oilers expect a test from upstart Americans

Oilers #16 TJ Caig tries to work around a Thunder defender. BRAD BRUGGER / For The Tulsa World

By JOHN RITTENOURE World Correspondent
Published: 11/3/2009 2:25 AM
Last Modified: 11/3/2009 6:16 AM

The Tulsa Oilers expect to be put to the test on Tuesday when the Allen Americans make their first and only stop of the season at the BOK Center. In their first season as a expansion team in the Central Hockey League, the Americans are quickly getting the attention of everyone. After opening the season 4-0 to lead the Southern Conference, the Americans fell in a shootout to defending CHL champion Texas on Saturday.

Tulsa right winger T.J. Caig is confident the Oilers will match up well against the Americans.

"Apparently they are a pretty good team, but I think we are one of the most skilled teams in the league," Caig said. "They are a good team, so we have to come out and match their work ethic. You have to go out and work hard, play your game and not worry about theirs."

Caig has scored a goal and had five assists in the Oilers' last three games.

"I got off to kind of a slow start, but we are winning games so it is not a huge issue for me," said Caig who is tied with Michael Beausoleil for second in team scoring with six points. "I am starting to come around. I should be scoring a few more goals, but that will come with time. It is a team game, so it helps when your line is scoring and when they aren't, hopefully I am scoring."

With 10 players scoring goals in the season's first five games, Caig feels the Oilers have what it takes to win.

"The team has started off well, but I feel I have more to give," Caid said. "This is a great team with awesome guys. Everyone works hard

and that is most important. I think we are going to win a lot of games."

Caig said he is enjoying the challenge of a different style of play in his first season in the United States.

"The game here is a little hard to get used to at the start, but I am starting to figure it out now. The style of play is more dump and chase, where in Europe it is more puck possession, more passing and carrying the puck," Caig said.

Ice chips: Center Rob Hisey was named CHL Player of the Week. Hisey, who leads the Oilers with seven goals and five assists, scored a goal and four assists in Tulsa's win over Rapid City last Tuesday.

Oilers vs. Allen Americans

7:05 p.m. Tuesday • BOK Center

Records: Tulsa 3-2 (6 points, tied for third in Northern Conference), Allen (4-0-1, 9 points, third in Southern Conference).

Promotions: $2 Tuesdays, beer and soft drinks are only $2.

Broadcast: tulsaworld.com/oilers

Tickets: $10 to $30. Available at BOK Center box office at 866-726-5287, www.tickets.com, Reasor’s stores, Homeland stores.

By JOHN RITTENOURE World Correspondent

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shaw411, Scottsdale, AZ (11/3/2009 9:56:59 AM)

Hit 'em hard and fast Oilers!

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