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Branch Ties CHL Record
Tulsa Oilers Press Release
February 14, 2003
Tulsa Oilers goaltender Rod Branch tied a Central Hockey League record with his eighth shutout victory in
the Oilers' 3-0 win over the Indianapolis Ice last night. The shutout ties former Odessa Jackalopes goalie Grant Sjerven's record, who also totaled eight shutouts during the 2000-2001 season. Sjerven now
plays for the Wichita Thunder. It was Branch 's first shutout since December 13th against the Fort Worth Brahmas and the 21st of his career.
On the season, the Northern Conference All-Star ranks near
the top of almost every CHL goaltending category, including wins (tied for second with 25), minutes (second with 2,530), saves (second with 1,318), and shutouts (first with eight).
Last night's win
was the fifth-straight for the Oilers. It was also Indianapolis' first regulation loss in their last 15 games. The Oilers (30-15-5) are in first place in the Northwest Division standings with 65 points. The
Oklahoma City Blazers (29-16-2) are in second place with 60 points, and the Amarillo Gorillas (28-17-1) are in third with 57 points. Tulsa has played three more games than Oklahoma City and four more
than Amarillo.
The Oilers will now travel to Memphis tomorrow night for a game with the
RiverKings at 7:05.
Tulsa's next home contest will be on Wednesday, February 26th when they once again
host Indianapolis. Tickets for that game are available at local Drug Marts, the Tulsa Convention Center Box Office, the Oilers office, or by phone at 584-2000. |
