The Tahoe Knight Monsters entered Game twenty of the season riding high, fresh off back-to-back wins over the Tulsa Oilers and carrying an impressive 12-6-1 record into the matchup. As the ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, Tahoe continued to show the confidence and consistency expected of a top contender. On the other side, Tulsa, the ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, looked to bounce back after suffering consecutive losses to the Knight Monsters. Tulsa was entering the game with a 7-8-0 record and something to prove as the rivalry added another chapter.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters entered this divisional showdown in pursuit of their thirteenth win of the season, determined to strengthen their hold on the top spot in the standings. Once again facing a familiar rival in the Tulsa Oilers, the stakes were high as Tulsa desperately looked to climb out of the division’s basement and generate some much-needed momentum. All signs pointed to a hard-fought battle, but confidence clearly favored Tahoe after dominating the previous two meetings between the teams. With Tulsa’s lingering goaltending issues still a concern, the balance once again tipped toward the Knight Monsters as they aimed to continue asserting their dominance within the division.
Between the pipes, the Tahoe Knight Monsters turned to #39 Cameron Whitehead, who made his eighth start of the season for Tahoe as he continued to solidify his role in the crease. On the opposite end, the Tulsa Oilers gave the nod to #31 Troy Kobryn, who was appearing in just his second game with Tulsa this season, looking to find his footing against a confident Knight Monsters squad.
Three minutes into the game, Mike O’Leary of the Tahoe Knight Monsters received a major penalty and game misconduct for cross-checking. On the penalty kill Trent Swick of the Knight Monsters received a penalty for delay of game. This call gave the Tulsa Oilers a 5-on-3 power play. On the power play the Tulsa Oilers took the lead for the first time in this series. #15 Drew Elliott scored the opening goal of the game. His goal was assisted by #8 Brodi Stuart and #21 Michael Davies.
Still on the power play, the Oilers took a two goal lead within a minute. The second Oilers goal was scored by #27 Easton Armstrong. His goal was assisted by #25 Coulson Pitre and #24 Mike McKee.
With under nine minutes left in the opening period, Knight Monsters captain Luke Adam received a penalty for slashing. With under four minutes left in the first period, Cade McNelly of the Oilers received a penalty for roughing. With under two minutes remaining in the first period, Kaelan Taylor of the Knight Monsters was called for tripping. The Knight Monsters trailed 0-2 after the first period.
A minute into the second period, Samuel Mayer of the Knight Monsters was called for hooking. Four minutes into the second period, the Knight Monsters scored to cut the lead down to one goal. The Knight Monsters first goal of the game was scored by #95 Samuel Mayer. His goal was assisted by #92 Sloan Stanick and #4 Olivier LeBlanc.
Under a minute after scoring Samuel Mayer was called for slashing. Ten minutes into the second period, Brodi Stuart of the Oilers was called for hooking. With under four minutes remaining in the period, Cade McNelly of the Oilers was called for holding. The Knight Monsters tied the game on the power play. The tying goal was scored by #15 Jake McGrew. His goal was assisted by #25 Casey Bailey and #19 Luke Adam.
The score was tied at 2-2 going into the final period.
Four minutes into the third period, Trent Swick of the Knight Monsters was called for tripping. Six minutes into the third period, Matthew Henry of the Oilers was called for slashing and unsportsmanlike conduct. On the power play, the Knight Monsters took the lead with a goal from captain #19 Luke Adam. His goal was assisted by assisted by #25 Casey Bailey and #39 Cameron Whitehead.
With under eight minutes remaining in the game, #47 Artur Cholach scored to give the Knight Monsters a two goal lead. His goal was assisted by #96 Brennan Kapcheck and #76 Trent Swick.
With under six minutes remaining in the game, the Knight Monsters took a three goal lead thanks to #76 Trent Swick. His goal was assisted by #21 Adam Pitters.
The final score was 5-2 Tahoe Knight Monsters. The Tahoe Knight Monsters finished this series 3-0-0 against the Tulsa Oilers. The Tahoe Knight Monsters have won their last four games.
https://echl.com/videos/tulsa-oilers-vs-tahoe-knight-monsters-nov-30-2025
The Tahoe Knight Monsters found themselves trailing after a rough opening period that quickly set the tone for a frustrating start. It wasn’t the first time Tahoe endured a scoreless first frame this series. This one came with a heavy dose of penalties as the Knight Monsters were hit with call after call. The first penalty was an especially costly mistake, and the follow-up penalty only made matters worse. Tulsa’s opening goal came on a play that appeared to feature clear goaltender interference, as the goalie was knocked over prior to Tulsa taking a shot, but no whistle followed. As if the early chaos wasn’t enough, the afternoon start created glare and lighting challenges for the goaltenders, and the sparsely filled building gave the atmosphere an odd feel. The half full building did allow the most passionate fans to make themselves heard. A soft slashing call added to the frustration, and after a light tap at the blue line caused a turnover leading to a Knight Monsters breakaway, the scoring chance was erased by yet another penalty. Remarkably, the only call against the Tulsa Oilers in the entire first period was a roughing minor on, leaving Tahoe with plenty to feel aggrieved about heading into the break. The second period, however, marked a turning point. The Knight Monsters regrouped and began to impose their style of play, eventually pulling even and sending the game into the final frame knotted up. Early in the third, a broken stick complicated a penalty kill, but Tahoe’s resilience held strong as they kept the puck out of their net. Momentum continued to build when the Knight Monsters nearly buried a breakaway chance, only to be tied up on the play. That pressure paid off by drawing a power play and keeping Tulsa on its heels. Tahoe fully seized control in the third period, pouring on three more goals to put the game firmly out of reach. There were tense moments along the way, including a slow-to-rise sequence involving Sloan Stanick early in the third and a Tulsa player exiting the game with an injury midway through. Even on a later penalty kill where a Tulsa skater lost his stick, the Knight Monsters couldn’t capitalize, but by that point the outcome was already decided as Tahoe continued to dictate the pace.
By the end of the series, the dominance was undeniable. The Knight Monsters outscored the Oilers 19–7 over the stretch, delivering what can only be described as a statement showing of power and depth. The contrast between the top and bottom of the division was on full display, with Tulsa’s goaltending struggles playing a major role in the outcome. Tahoe made sure not to waste the opportunity for six crucial points, turning the series into one of the most memorable and defining runs of the season.
Despite being outshot on the night, the Tahoe Knight Monsters made their opportunities count, finishing with 34 total shots compared to 44 for the Tulsa Oilers, a 10-shot advantage for Tulsa. Even with the shot deficit, Tahoe posted the better shooting percentage and stayed efficient on special teams, going 2-for-5 on the power play, while Tulsa finished 2-for-8 with three more power-play chances overall. Discipline heavily favored the Oilers, as the Knight Monsters piled up 27 penalty minutes compared to Tulsa’s 10, making Tahoe’s win even more impressive. In net, Cameron Whitehead delivered a stellar performance for Tahoe, turning aside 42 of 44 shots for a remarkable .955 save percentage. On the other end, Troy Kobryn stopped 29 of 34 shots for an .850 save percentage, as the difference between the pipes ultimately played a major role in the final outcome.
With the victory, the Tahoe Knight Monsters continued their impressive season-long surge, improving to 13-6-1 and reaching 27 points through 20 games. That strong start has firmly planted Tahoe among the league’s elite, as they now sit tied for second overall in the ECHL standings, are deadlocked for first place in the Western Conference, and hold sole possession of the top spot in the Western Conference Mountain Division. Most importantly, the Knight Monsters remain in a commanding playoff position, continuing to build momentum as the season moves forward.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters are set to face the Rapid City Rush in the twenty-first game of the season. This matchup marks the first game of this three-game series at home. The puck is dropping on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Zac Electrifly 
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