OKLAHOMA CITY–The Oklahoma Warriors fell to the El Paso Rhinos 2-1 in overtime at Blazers Ice Centre on Friday.
Paavo Hiltunen scored the overtime goal for El Paso after Frank Tafelski tied the game with nine minutes to play in the third period.
Peter Rosa opening the scoring with a close-range shot in the second period. William Ahlrik and Owen Carlile, his linemates, had the assists on the rookie’s second career goal.
Time and space was often hard to come by in the low-scoring, defensive game. However, the Warriors recorded 41 shots on goal against the Rhinos’ 33. Daniel Duris made 32 saves despite the loss. Duris is now 5-2-1 with a 1.99 GAA and .937 save percentage, one of the best marks in the North American Hockey League.
Oklahoma and El Paso meet again on Saturday for a 7:15 p.m. start at Blazers Ice Centre. The game is a nightcap on Hockey Day in Oklahoma. Jr. Warriors youth hockey games will take place all day beginning at 12:15 p.m. and are free to watch. In addition, there will be a food truck on-site, a trunk or treat event, a visit from the Oklahoma City Ghostbusters, and more. Fans can purchase Warriors tickets at www.oklahomawarriors.com/tickets.
