Weekend Preview: Dec 7 - 9

Dallas Snipers (7-8-2, 2nd in Midwest Division) @ Tulsa Jr. Oilers (2-13-0 5th in Midwest Division)

   Three-game series in Tulsa, Oklahoma

   The Dallas Snipers may not be able to catch the first-place Ice Jets but they can certainly solidify their spot by beating the teams below them.

   This weekend, they’ll make the trip to Tulsa to play three against the Jr. Oilers, who are fresh off a rough weekend in Arizona, in which they lost all three games.

   It will be the first ever meeting between the two teams and both will be looking for points, as the Snipers haven’t been victorious since October 28 and Tulsa hasn’t won since November 2, both teams wins came against the Wichita Jr. Thunder.

   The Snipers have the advantage in terms of depth and forward Shane Bonds has started to play some of his best hockey of the year, now leading them in points with 19 on the season.

   Goaltending continues to be a strong suit for Dallas and Alex Bebriss-Fedotovs has kept them in games and should benefit from going against a Tulsa offense that has been outshot in all but two games this season.

   Give the Jr. Oilers credit, they continue to work hard but have struggled to put the puck in the net.

   Bobby Watson has been the man for them all season but has had little help, although Matt Winkle put together a strong weekend in Arizona.

   If Tulsa wants to pick up a few points, they’ll have to play physical and take advantage of all of their opportunities.

   Saturday night’s game will be played at the BOK Center, home of the Central Hockey League’s Oilers, so maybe a bigger crowd could provide a spark for the home team.

   Story by Brent Maranto does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Dallas Snipers or the Western States Hockey League