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Tulsa Oilers
Tulsa Oilers
Tulsa Oilers
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The Tulsa Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and play in the ECHL. The Oilers played their home games at the Tulsa Convention Center until 2008 when they moved into the new BOK Center. For many years, the Tulsa Oilers name was shared with Tulsa's former minor-league baseball team that pre-dated the Tulsa Drillers. To reduce confusion in local news reporting, the hockey team was often called the "Ice Oilers".[citation needed]

Key Information

Formerly a member of the Central Hockey League, the Oilers are one of only two teams which played every one of the CHL's 22 seasons (the other being the Wichita Thunder).[1] The Oilers established a winning tradition, making the playoffs in nine of their first 13 seasons. However, their performance in recent years has been less successful making the playoffs four times since 2005.[2]

Original owner Jeff Lund played an integral part in assembling the 1992–93 team, led by veteran minor league coach and former NHL ironman Garry Unger. The team, anchored by high-scoring forward Sylvain Naud and veteran goalie Tony Martino, finished the regular season in second place, right behind intrastate rival Oklahoma City Blazers. However, in the revived league's first championship series the Oilers handily defeated the Blazers, clinching the title on OKC's home ice. Lund assumed ownership of the franchise in February 1999 after being the team's general manager.[3]

On June 23, 2013, Lund sold the team to the owners of the Wichita Thunder, the Steven brothers. The Steven brothers sold the team to Andy Scurto in 2021.

History

[edit]

Tulsa has previously had several other hockey teams named the "Oilers."

Tulsa Oilers (1968)

The original Oilers joined the five team American Hockey Association as an expansion team in 1928. Their first home game was January 1, 1929, against the Duluth Hornets, as part of the grand opening of the Tulsa Coliseum. The team won the AHA championship that season, and again in the 1930–31 season. For the 1932–33 season, the Oilers moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, and became the St. Paul Greyhounds, but halfway through the season they moved back to Tulsa once again becoming the Tulsa Oilers. At the end of the 1941–42 season, the AHA and the Oilers disbanded due to World War II. Hockey Hall of Fame members Duke Keats and Bill Cowley played for short periods on the Tulsa Oilers during this period.[citation needed]

The AHA was reorganized as the United States Hockey League for the 1945–46 season as a seven team league, once again including the Oilers. That league folded after the 1950–51 season. The team played at Avey's Coliseum during this time. Hockey Hall of Fame member Clint Smith played the 1947–48 season with the Tulsa Oilers after a stellar 11-year career in the NHL with the New York Rangers and Chicago Black Hawks and won the USHL Most Valuable Player Award.[citation needed]

Tulsa Oilers (2006–2013)
Tulsa Oilers (1972–1982)

In 1964, a new Tulsa Oilers team joined the Central Professional Hockey League (later shortened to Central Hockey League) in its second season of operation. The Oilers won the Adams Cup as the CPHL/CHL champions in 1968, 1976, and 1984. The Oilers played in the CHL until 1984 when the league folded.

1992–2014 (CHL)

[edit]

A new Central Hockey League was created in 1992 as a centrally owned league, owned by Ray Miron and Bill Levins. The league was operated by Ray and Monte Miron and funded by Chicago businessman and minor league sports entrepreneur Horn Chen. With the creation of the new CHL the Tulsa Oilers were a team once again. Ray Miron once coached the Oilers in the old CHL and his son Monte had played for the Oilers in 1973–74. Tulsa claimed the CHL championship in the CHL's inaugural season under general manager Jeff Lund and head coach Garry Unger.[4]

The Oilers established a winning tradition, making the playoffs in nine of their first 13 seasons. However, with a decline in their performance and not qualifying for the playoffs since 2005 nor winning a playoff series since 1994, Lund hired former player Taylor Hall as the Oilers' general manager on May 3, 2008.[5] After finishing third to last in the CHL with 18 wins in 64 games in the 2008–09 season, Hall hired head coach Bruce Ramsay, fresh off a trip to the IHL's Turner Cup finals with the Muskegon Fury, on May 21, 2009.[6]

In Ramsay's first season as coach in 2009–10 season, the Oilers rebounded with 28 wins in 64 games to post the second highest point total increase in the CHL from the previous season.[7] On September 2, 2010, the Oilers announced their first National Hockey League affiliation since their reformation in 1992 with the Colorado Avalanche, joining the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL.[8]

2014–present (ECHL)

[edit]

On October 7, 2014, soon before the 2014–15 Central Hockey League season was set to begin, it was announced that the league had ceased operations and the Oilers, along with the Allen Americans, Brampton Beast, Quad City Mallards, Missouri Mavericks, Rapid City Rush and Wichita Thunder, were all approved the expansion membership application into the ECHL for the 2014–15 season.[9][10]

On July 31, 2015, the Oilers announced a one-year affiliation with the NHL's Winnipeg Jets and the AHL's Manitoba Moose.[11] After the conclusion of the agreement with the Jets/Moose, the Oilers announced a one-year affiliation with the St. Louis Blues of the NHL, which did not have an AHL affiliate, for the 2017–18 season.[12] The affiliation was extended for another season in 2018–19, but also added the San Antonio Rampage, the Blues' new AHL affiliate.[13] The Oilers and Blues continued the affiliation for the 2019–20 season,[14] followed by the Oilers reaching a three-year affiliation agreement with the Anaheim Ducks starting with the 2020–21 season.[15]

In 2021, the Steven brothers sold the team to Andy Scurto and his company NL Sports, LLC, which also had recently purchased the Buffalo Beauts and Minnesota Whitecaps in the Premier Hockey Federation.[16][17]

Season records

[edit]
Season GP W L OTL SOL PTS GF GA PIM Regular season finish
(Division/conference)		 Playoffs
Central Hockey League
2000–01 70 36 26 — 8 80 259 250 2030 5th of 6, Western Division Lost quarterfinals, 0–3 vs. Oklahoma City Blazers
2001–02 64 30 30 — 4 64 204 215 1701 2nd of 4, Northwest Division did not qualify
2002–03 64 37 22 3 2 79 218 195 1704 3rd of 4, Northwest Division did not qualify
2003–04 64 26 25 4 9 65 194 210 1198 4th of 5, Northwest Division did not qualify
2004–05 60 32 25 1 2 67 206 210 1307 2nd of 5, Northeast Division Lost conf. semifinals, 1–4 vs. Colorado Eagles
2005–06 64 29 28 4 3 65 209 227 1687 4th of 4, Northwest Division did not qualify
2006–07 64 27 28 6 3 63 225 246 2044 4th of 4, Northeast Division did not qualify
2007–08 64 25 35 3 1 54 194 243 1438 4th of 5, Northwest Division did not qualify
2008–09 64 18 38 3 5 44 179 270 1668 4th of 4, Northeast Division did not qualify
2009–10 64 28 29 4 3 63 203 230 1576 6th of 7, Northern Conference did not qualify
2010–11 66 35 25 5 1 76 242 234 1063 3rd of 9, Berry Conference Lost conf. semifinals, 2–3 vs. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
2011–12 66 29 29 7 1 66 207 222 1000 5th of 7, Berry Conference did not qualify
2012–13 66 22 39 3 2 49 177 254 897 10th of 10, CHL did not qualify
2013–14 66 34 29 0 3 71 225 215 1170 7th of 10, CHL Lost quarterfinals, 2–4 vs. Denver Cutthroats
ECHL
2014–15 72 37 29 3 3 80 248 244 1350 4th of 7, Central Division Lost div. semifinals, 1–4 vs. Allen Americans
2015–16 72 37 30 3 2 79 191 191 1083 3rd of 4, Central Division did not qualify
2016–17 72 27 37 6 2 62 194 241 1247 5th of 7, Central Division did not qualify
2017–18 72 31 29 3 9 74 214 233 1230 5th of 7, Mountain Division did not qualify
2018–19 72 42 24 4 2 90 236 198 964 1st of 7, Mountain Division Lost conf. finals, 3–4 vs. Toledo Walleye
2019–20 63 29 26 7 1 66 199 196 727 4th of 7, Mountain Division Season cancelled
2020–21 72 30 28 11 3 74 180 203 871 5th of 7, Western Conference did not qualify
2021–22 72 36 30 3 3 78 220 220 753 4th of 7, Mountain Division Lost div. semifinals, 3–4 vs. Utah Grizzlies
2022–23 72 22 41 8 1 53 203 279 961 7th of 7, Mountain Division did not qualify
2023–24 72 30 33 8 1 69 222 233 814 4th of 7, Mountain Division Lost div. semifinals 0–4 vs. Kansas City Mavericks
2024-25 72 40 24 5 3 88 244 212 786 4th of 8, Mountain Division Lost div. semifinals 2–4 vs. Kansas City Mavericks

Championships

[edit]
Year League Trophy
1992–93 CHL William “Bill” Levins Memorial Cup

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tulsa Oilers

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from Grokipedia
The Tulsa Oilers are a based in , that competes in the as the primary affiliate of the National Hockey League's (NHL) and the American Hockey League's (AHL) . Founded in 1928 as an expansion franchise in the American Hockey Association (AHA), the has operated continuously since its revival in 1992, making it one of the oldest in the United States. The Oilers play their home games at the , a 17,000-seat arena that opened in 2008 and serves as their primary venue since joining the in 2014. The franchise's early history began in the AHA, where the Oilers quickly established themselves as contenders, capturing three consecutive league championships from 1929 to 1931 while playing at the original Tulsa Coliseum. Operations were suspended in 1942 due to World War II, but resumed in the United States Hockey League from 1945 to 1951; the team then paused after the league folded and a fire destroyed the Coliseum in 1952, until revival in the Central Hockey League (CHL) in 1964, enjoying success with three Adams Cup titles in 1968, 1976, and 1984—the latter marking the CHL's final championship before the league folded. After a hiatus, the modern iteration of the Oilers returned in 1992 as a CHL expansion team, winning the league's Ray Miron President's Cup in their inaugural 1992–93 season, and continued in the CHL until its dissolution in 2014, at which point they transitioned to the ECHL. Over nearly a century, the Tulsa Oilers have developed numerous players who advanced to the NHL, including Hall of Famers like Clint Smith in the 1940s, and have built a legacy of resilience, surviving multiple league changes and ownership shifts. The team claimed a Central Division title in the 2018–19 season, their first since 1976, and in the 2024–25 season set franchise records with 22 road wins and an average attendance of 7,585 fans per game. Since 2021, the franchise has been owned by Andy Scurto, who oversees operations from the WeStreet Ice Center, the team's practice facility which opened in 2024. As of the 2025–26 season, the Oilers remain a key developmental hub for the organization, emphasizing community engagement and competitive play in the 's Mountain Division.

Franchise overview

Origins and early incarnations

The Tulsa Oilers were first established in by Walter R. Whiteside, a millionaire and hockey enthusiast, as an expansion franchise in the American Hockey Association (AHA), marking the introduction of to . Whiteside, along with his brother , built the Tulsa Coliseum to house the team, drawing on the city's growing oil industry for its name and fostering early local support despite the novelty of the sport in the region. The original franchise competed in the AHA from to 1942, navigating economic hardships during the that strained operations across minor professional leagues, yet persevering through fan attendance and Whiteside's financial backing. League disruptions intensified with the onset of , leading the AHA to suspend operations in 1942 and forcing the Oilers into hiatus as travel restrictions and player enlistments halted play nationwide. revival brought the team back in 1945 as a charter member of the (USHL), where it played until 1951 amid ongoing postwar economic adjustments and rising costs that plagued stability. Financial instability ultimately contributed to the USHL's folding in 1951, ending this iteration of the franchise after six seasons of intermittent success and community engagement. Professional hockey returned to Tulsa in 1964 with a new Oilers in the Central Professional Hockey League (CPHL), which rebranded as the (CHL) in 1968 to reflect its minor league status. This revival filled a 13-year void, capitalizing on lingering local interest to establish a more stable presence. Over 56 years from 1928 to 1984, three distinct Oilers franchises operated across three leagues, solidifying Tulsa's pioneering role in bringing and sustaining professional hockey in despite repeated economic and logistical challenges. The name and tradition carried forward into the modern franchise established in 1992.

Modern franchise (1992–present)

The modern Tulsa Oilers franchise was established in 1992 as an expansion team in the revived (CHL), operating under the Tulsa Professional Hockey Club, Inc., and reviving the historic name from earlier Tulsa hockey teams. The team, coached by Garry Unger, quickly achieved success by winning the league's Ray Miron Cup in its inaugural 1992–93 season. Jeff Lund, who had served as general manager since the franchise's founding, acquired ownership in 1999, providing stability during the CHL years. Under Lund's leadership, the Oilers maintained operations through the CHL era, with key ownership transitions following his 2013 sale to Steven Brothers Sports Management, LLC. The Steven brothers owned the team for eight years until selling it in 2021 to Andy Scurto of NL Sports, LLC, whose tenure has emphasized integration and facility investments, including the 2022 purchase of the Oilers Ice Center. During the CHL period (1992–2014), the franchise primarily operated independently but established formal NHL affiliations with the (2010–11) and (2012–13). The CHL's dissolution and merger into the ahead of the 2014–15 season marked the Oilers' transition to a larger national league, where they joined as one of seven expansion teams from the CHL. Post-merger affiliations included the (2015–17), (2018–20), and a multi-year agreement with the beginning in 2020, operated through the AHL's [San Diego Gulls](/page/San Diego_Gulls). As of November 2025, the Oilers continue as the Ducks' primary affiliate, actively competing in the 2025–26 season at the .

Facilities and operations

Home arena

The , a 17,096-seat multi-purpose arena in downtown Tulsa, has served as the primary home venue for the Tulsa Oilers since the 2008–09 season. Opened in August 2008, the facility was constructed as part of a downtown revitalization effort and quickly became the anchor for professional sports in the city, hosting the Oilers' games alongside concerts, family events, and other athletic competitions. Its central location at the corner of East 2nd Street and South Denver Avenue enhances accessibility for fans, with modern amenities including premium seating options and integrated concessions that support year-round operations. Prior to the move to the , the Oilers played their home games at the Tulsa Convention Center from the franchise's in 1992 through the 2007–08 season. The convention center's arena, with a capacity of approximately 8,900 seats, faced growing limitations due to its aging infrastructure and insufficient size for expanding fan interest, prompting the relocation to a larger, state-of-the-art venue upon the BOK Center's completion. This transition marked a significant upgrade, allowing the team to accommodate larger crowds and elevate its presence in Tulsa's sports scene. Key features of the BOK Center tailored to hockey include a standard ECHL ice surface measuring 200 feet long by 85 feet wide, ensuring compliance with league regulations for gameplay. The arena has facilitated notable attendance milestones for the Oilers, such as sellouts during playoff series that draw over 17,000 fans, reflecting strong support. In the 2024–25 season, the team achieved a franchise-record average attendance of 7,585 per game, underscoring the venue's role in boosting engagement. Beyond games, the BOK Center hosts Oilers-related events like youth clinics and fan festivals, integrating the franchise into Tulsa's broader cultural and recreational landscape while supporting operational efficiency through shared facilities management.

Ownership and management

The modern Tulsa Oilers franchise was established in as part of the revived , with Jeff Lund serving as the inaugural general manager and playing a key role in assembling the initial roster. Lund purchased the team outright in 1999, providing stability during a period of financial challenges in hockey and overseeing operations that included multiple playoff appearances and the move to the in 2008. Under his leadership, the Oilers won the Ray Miron President's Cup in 1992–93 under his general management. In 2013, sold the team to Steven Brothers Sports Management, LLC, a Wichita-based group that owned the ; this group guided the Oilers through the CHL's dissolution in 2014 and the subsequent transition to the for the 2014-15 season. The Stevens brothers maintained the franchise's operations for eight years, focusing on league compliance and affiliations before selling to California-based NL Sports, LLC in 2021. Current owner Andy Scurto, through NL Sports, has emphasized revitalizing fan engagement and expanding hockey infrastructure in Tulsa, including the acquisition of the Oilers in 2022 and the opening of the WeStreet in 2024 as the team's primary practice facility, both supporting youth development. Scurto also owns the Indoor Football League's Tulsa Oilers, creating synergies in local sports management. As of 2025, the Oilers' is led by Taylor Hall, who is in his 18th season (as of the 2025–26 season) and handles day-to-day administrative duties, including player contracts and league relations. On the hockey operations side, head coach and director of hockey operations Rob Murray, appointed in 2017, oversees team strategy and has led the club to multiple division titles while reaching 1,000 regular-season games coached in 2025. His staff includes associate coach Scott Dutertre, who joined in 2021 and focuses on player development, along with equipment managers Chris Mayes and Andrew LaValley. The organization's structure integrates closely with ECHL guidelines, serving as the primary affiliate for the NHL's since 2021, which provides essential player development pipelines and financial support through shared revenues and . Community outreach forms a core pillar, with programs like youth hockey leagues at the Oilers Ice Center and WeStreet Center fostering local participation and long-term fan growth. The financial model relies heavily on this NHL affiliation for talent acquisition and sponsorships, supplemented by ticket sales and arena partnerships at the .

Team history

1928–1951 (AHA and USHL)

The Tulsa Oilers were established in 1928 as a charter member of the American Hockey Association (AHA) by Walter R. Whiteside, a transplant and hockey enthusiast who sought to bring professional ice hockey to . The franchise marked the introduction of organized professional hockey to the state, playing its home games at the newly constructed Tulsa Coliseum, an arena built by Whiteside that seated about 4,500 spectators and hosted the team's inaugural game on January 1, 1929, against the Duluth Hornets. Early success came with the Oilers capturing the AHA playoff championship in 1928–29 and the league championship in 1930–31, defeating the Kansas City Pla-Mors in the finals and solidifying their place as a competitive force in the league. However, the AHA suspended operations in 1942 due to the demands of , including travel restrictions and player enlistments, halting the Oilers' activities for three seasons until 1945. Postwar, the team returned as a founding member of the (USHL), a successor circuit to the AHA, resuming play at the Tulsa Coliseum with renewed regional rivalries. The Oilers competed in the USHL for six seasons, but persistent challenges mounted, including low attendance figures strained by competition from popular local baseball teams and broader economic pressures on minor professional sports. The Tulsa Coliseum was destroyed by fire in 1952, contributing to the hiatus. By the 1950–51 season, financial woes across the USHL led to instability, with multiple franchises struggling to sustain operations amid declining fan interest and rising costs. The league folded after that year, and the Tulsa Oilers ceased existence, ending the original incarnation after 23 intermittent seasons of bringing professional hockey to audiences. This era's efforts helped cultivate a lasting interest in the sport locally, influencing subsequent revivals of the franchise.

1964–1984 (CHL)

The Tulsa Oilers joined the Central Professional Hockey League (CPHL) as an expansion franchise in 1964, reviving the team's name after a 13-year absence from professional hockey since the 1951–52 season. Owned initially by Ltd., the Oilers served as the primary for the NHL's from 1964 to 1973, facilitating the development of NHL prospects and establishing the franchise's professional status in the . The team played its home games at the Tulsa Assembly Center, a modern 10,000-seat arena that supported growing interest in the sport. In 1968, the league rebranded as the (CHL), reflecting its evolution into a key developmental circuit for NHL talent. The Oilers' affiliation with brought skilled players to Tulsa, including future NHL coaches like and defensemen like , enhancing the team's competitiveness. Subsequent affiliations with NHL and WHA clubs—such as the (1975–1979), (1974–1975), (1979–1982), and (1982–1984)—continued this talent pipeline, allowing the Oilers to contend regularly, along with a brief affiliation with the Phoenix Roadrunners (1974–1975). The 1970s marked the Oilers' peak era, with strong fan support and on-ice success, including Adams Cup championships in 1968, 1976, and 1984 as league milestones. The franchise captured multiple division titles during the period, including the Southern Division in 1975–76, and developed intense in-state rivalries, notably with the Stars, which fueled regional excitement and attendance. By the early 1980s, however, financial strains emerged amid shifting NHL affiliations and economic pressures on minor-league hockey. In the 1983–84 season, the Oilers relocated mid-year to the Expo Square Pavilion due to arena disputes, but ownership collapsed in February 1984 from mounting debt estimated at $400,000 to $600,000. The CHL assumed control, and the team finished the year as a road-only club, sweeping the Checkers to claim the final Adams Cup before the league folded at season's end due to widespread financial insolvency among its franchises. Following the 1984 championship, the Oilers franchise was suspended indefinitely, leaving Tulsa without professional hockey for eight years until a new incarnation joined the revived CHL in 1992. The collapse highlighted broader challenges in minor-league operations, including reliance on NHL affiliations and venue stability, but the era solidified the Oilers' legacy as a cornerstone of CHL .

1992–2014 (CHL)

The Tulsa Oilers were revived as an expansion franchise in the newly re-established (CHL), an independent minor professional league founded in 1992 by Ray Miron and Bill Levins under a central ownership model. One of the league's six inaugural teams, the Oilers began play that season at the Tulsa Convention Center, with former NHL player Garry Unger serving as and Jeff Lund as . The team operated independently without a primary NHL affiliation, focusing on local talent and regional development in its early years. In their debut 1992–93 season, the Oilers achieved immediate success, qualifying for the playoffs and capturing the league's inaugural playoff championship (Bill Levins Memorial Trophy) by defeating the Blazers in the finals. This marked their first postseason appearance, held in , and established a foundation for consistent mid-tier performance across the CHL's 22 seasons, where they compiled a regular-season record of 1,436 wins, 663 losses, and additional ties and overtime losses. The franchise secured one playoff title during this era (), highlighting their competitive stability amid the league's growth from six to 16 teams. A key milestone came in 2008 with the relocation from the aging to the state-of-the-art , which boosted average attendance from 4,210 fans per game in 2007–08 to 5,205 in 2008–09 and enhanced training and operational facilities. The Oilers faced financial challenges in the early , contributing to ownership transitions that tested the franchise's viability in an independent league. In 1999, general manager Jeff Lund purchased the team from previous owner Horn Chen, a businessman, to stabilize operations amid reported economic pressures on minor-league hockey. Lund's 14-year tenure as owner emphasized and growth, but ongoing league-wide financial strains led to his sale of the club in 2013 to the Wichita-based Steven Brothers Sports Management group, owners of the . Rivalries intensified during this period, particularly with the in-state Blazers, whose matchups drew strong local interest, as well as later foes like the (joining the CHL in 2009) and (added in 2006), fostering heated divisional contests. These rivalries, including ongoing competition with the under shared ownership, added to the era's competitive dynamics. The era concluded in when the CHL suspended operations due to structural and financial issues, prompting the absorption of its seven remaining teams—including the stable Tulsa Oilers—into the as expansion franchises, ending the independent league's run and integrating the Oilers into a more nationally oriented circuit.

2014–present (ECHL)

The Tulsa Oilers transitioned to the for the 2014–15 season following the dissolution of the , which merged select teams into the ECHL as part of a broader league expansion and restructuring effort. Placed in the Western Conference, the Oilers adapted quickly to the higher level of competition, qualifying for the in their inaugural ECHL campaign by finishing fourth in the Mountain Division with a 37–29–3–3 record. This marked the team's first postseason appearance in the ECHL and underscored their competitive foundation from prior CHL success. Key milestones during this era include the 2018–19 season, when the Oilers captured the Mountain Division title with a 42–24–4–2 record, earning the top seed in the Western Conference and advancing to the conference finals before falling to the . The following seasons were disrupted by the ; the 2019–20 campaign was abruptly canceled in March 2020 after 63 games, with the Oilers holding a solid 32–23–8 standing at the time, while the 2020–21 season featured a delayed start in December and a condensed 72-game schedule amid health protocols and regional travel restrictions. Despite these challenges, the team finished 30–33–9 and focused on resilience, contributing to broader league efforts that included over $3 million in community donations across franchises. As of 2025, the Oilers continue to compete in the Mountain Division of the Western Conference, prioritizing player development as the primary affiliate of the NHL's since 2020, with the partnership extended through multi-year agreements that emphasize talent pipeline support for the Ducks and their AHL affiliate, the . In the 2024–25 season, they posted a 40–24–5–3 record, securing 88 points and the fourth seed in their division as playoff qualifiers, highlighted by franchise records in road wins (22) and average attendance (7,585 fans per game). The Oilers reached the conference semifinals but were eliminated. This performance reflects steady improvement and a commitment to nurturing prospects, with several players advancing to higher levels. The team has yet to reach a Final but has made deep playoff runs, including the 2019 Western Conference Finals. In the 2025–26 season, as of November 2025, the Oilers continue their affiliation with , emphasizing through family-oriented events and charitable initiatives.

Season records

CHL regular seasons (1992–2014)

The Tulsa Oilers participated in 22 regular seasons of the (CHL) from 1992 to 2014, compiling an overall record of 663 wins, 642 losses, 10 ties, and 44 overtime losses across 1,436 games, for a win percentage of .507. The team experienced early success in the league's formative years, followed by fluctuating performance amid expansion and realignments, with schedules generally ranging from 60 to 70 games per season. Average attendance grew from approximately 3,000 fans per game in the early to over 4,500 by the 2013–14 season, particularly accelerating after the 2008 opening of the . The following table summarizes the Oilers' regular season performance year by year, including games played (GP), win-loss-tie/overtime loss record (W-L-T/OTL), points (Pts), division affiliation, and win percentage. Finishing positions are noted where they establish key context, such as divisional leadership; the CHL initially operated without divisions before introducing the Western Division in 1996–97, with subsequent realignments including the Northwest Division starting in 2001–02 and shifts to the Northeast Division in 2004–05.
SeasonGPW-L-T/OTLPtsDivisionWin %Notes on Finish
1992–936035-22-0/373None.6081st overall (league champion)
1993–946436-24-4/076None.5942nd overall
1994–956636-24-6/078None.5913rd overall
1995–966426-33-5/057None.4455th overall
1996–976630-32-4/064Western.4853rd in Western
1997–987034-31-5/073Western.5213rd in Western
1998–997020-41-9/049Western.3505th in Western (no )
1999–007038-27-5/081Western.5792nd in Western
2000–017036-26-8/080Western.5714th in Western
2001–026430-30-4/064Northwest.5003rd in Northwest (no )
2002–036437-22-5/079Northwest.6172nd in Northwest (no )
2003–046426-25-13/065Northwest.5084th in Northwest (no )
2004–056032-25-3/067Northeast.5582nd in Northeast
2005–066429-28-7/065Northwest.5084th in Northwest (no )
2006–076427-28-9/063Northeast.4923rd in Northeast (no )
2007–086425-35-4/054Northwest.4225th in Northwest (no )
2008–096418-38-8/044Northeast.3445th in Northeast (no )
2009–106428-29-7/063Northern.4924th in Northern (no )
2010–116635-25-6/076.5762nd in
2011–126629-29-8/066.5003rd in (no )
2012–136622-39-5/049None.3716th overall (no )
2013–146634-29-3/071None.5385th overall
Key trends in the Oilers' CHL regular seasons included an inaugural period of competitiveness from 1992 to 1995, where they posted winning records above .590 win percentage and topped league standings multiple times, such as finishing 1st overall in 1992–93 with 35 wins and 73 points. Performance dipped in the late 1990s, exemplified by the 1998–99 season's 20-41-9 record for 49 points and last place in the Western Division, marking their first missed playoffs. A resurgence occurred around the turn of the millennium, peaking in 2002–03 with 37 wins, 79 points, and 2nd place in the Northwest Division following the 2001 realignment to that group. Later years saw inconsistency, with sub-.500 finishes common after 2007–08, though the team rebounded to 35 wins and 2nd in the Berry Conference in 2010–11 amid the 2009 realignment to Turner and Berry Conferences. The CHL's expansion from 6 teams in 1992–93 to 16 by 2009–10 influenced these shifts, including divisional moves like the 2004–05 placement in the Northeast Division.

ECHL regular seasons (2014–present)

The Tulsa Oilers joined the ECHL as an expansion team for the 2014–15 season, transitioning from the Central Hockey League and adopting the league's 72-game regular season format, which includes overtime and shootout losses in the standings calculation. Over the subsequent seasons, the team has competed primarily in the Western Conference, initially in the Central Division before realignment to the Mountain Division in 2017–18. The Oilers' performance has varied, with several playoff-qualifying campaigns amid challenges from injuries and roster turnover common in minor professional hockey. The following table summarizes the Oilers' regular season results in the from 2014–15 through the ongoing 2025–26 season (as of November 19, 2025). All seasons except 2019–20 featured 72 games; that year was shortened to 63 due to the . Standings reflect division finish within the Western Conference.
SeasonGPWLOTLSOLPTSDivision FinishGFGA
2014–1572372933804th Central248244
2015–1672373032793rd Central191191
2016–1772273762625th Central194241
2017–1872312939744th 214233
2018–1972422442902nd 236198
2019–2063292671663rd 199196
2020–21723028113745th West180203
2021–2272363033783rd 220220
2022–2372224181535th 203279
2023–2472303381694th 222233
2024–2572402453884th 244212
2025–26117400144th 3332
In their inaugural 2014–15 ECHL season, the Oilers posted a 37–29–3–3 record for 80 points, securing 4th place in the Central Division and a playoff berth. The 2024–25 campaign marked a strong rebound with a 40–24–5–3 mark, 88 points, and 4th place in the Mountain Division, also earning a postseason spot while setting franchise records for road wins (22) and average attendance (7,585). Post-2020, the Oilers have shown improved defensive consistency, allowing an average of 3.2 to 3.5 goals per game across most seasons, bolstered by goaltending stability and structured play under Rob Murray. As of November 19, 2025, the 2025–26 season began with a 7–4–0–0 start after 11 games, positioning the team 4th in the Mountain Division early on. Since joining the in 2014, the Oilers have maintained a roughly 46% win rate overall (361 wins in 783 games through 2024–25), with frequent contention for Western Conference playoff spots, qualifying in six of the last seven full seasons.

Playoffs and championships

CHL playoffs and Adams Cups

The Tulsa Oilers' first stint in the (CHL) from 1964 to 1984 was marked by consistent postseason success, with the team qualifying for the playoffs in 14 of 20 seasons. They reached the Adams Cup finals five times during this period, winning the championship three times as the league's top honor. The Adams Cup, named after legendary NHL executive , represented the pinnacle of CHL achievement and was contested in a best-of-seven series format throughout most of the era, evolving to include divisional playoffs by the . The Oilers often benefited from strong regular-season performances that secured home-ice advantage in later rounds, particularly in their championship years. In the 1967–68 season, the Oilers captured their first Adams Cup by defeating the Fort Worth Wings in the finals, 4 games to 0, after defeating the Oklahoma City Blazers in the division crossover semifinals 4–3. This victory highlighted the team's resilience under coach John McLellan. The Oilers returned to the finals in 1968–69 but fell to the Oklahoma City Blazers. They made deep runs in 1971–72, losing to the Dallas Black Hawks, and 1975–76, when they clinched the Adams Cup again by sweeping the Oklahoma City Blazers in the semifinals and defeating the Dallas Black Hawks 4–1 in the finals; goaltender Jack E. Brown posted shutouts in the postseason. The 1983–84 season produced the franchise's most remarkable triumph: after folding midseason due to financial issues, the CHL assumed operations and relocated the team to Denver for the playoffs, where they defeated the Salt Lake Golden Eagles 4–1 in the semifinals and swept the Indianapolis Checkers 4–0 in the finals to claim the Adams Cup. This win, led by forward Brent Meeke's 12 playoff points, was the last Adams Cup awarded before the CHL folded in 1984. The CHL's playoff structure emphasized endurance, with best-of-seven series becoming standard by the mid-1960s, allowing teams like the Oilers to leverage home crowds at the Tulsa Assembly Center for extended advantages in later years. The 1984 championship underscored the Adams Cup's legacy as a symbol of perseverance in minor professional hockey, with the Oilers' road-warrior story inspiring future franchises amid the league's . The Oilers' revival in the revived CHL from 1992 to 2014 brought renewed postseason contention, though without repeating the earlier era's multiple titles. In the league's inaugural 1992–93 season, they won the Ray Miron President's Cup—the CHL's championship trophy—by defeating the Oklahoma City Blazers 4–1 in the finals, a dominant run under coach Garry Unger and featured forward Sylvain Naud's 6 playoff goals and 19 points. The following year, 1993–94, Tulsa reached the finals again but lost 0–4 to the , marking their only other championship series appearance in this period. Despite qualifying for 12 overall, the Oilers advanced no further than semifinals in subsequent years, such as a 2004–05 run where they fell to the 1–4 in the first round. Playoff formats remained best-of-seven series, with Tulsa securing home-ice in several postseason berths due to solid Northern Division finishes. The 1993 victory established an early benchmark, but the team finished without additional titles before the CHL's suspension in 2014.

ECHL playoffs and Kelly Cup appearances

Since joining the in 2014, the Tulsa Oilers have qualified for the playoffs five times, in the 2014–15, 2018–19, 2021–22, 2023–24, and 2024–25 seasons, but have yet to advance to the Finals. The team's postseason efforts have been marked by competitive first-round matchups in the best-of-seven format, where division leaders host higher seeds, though Tulsa has often faced challenges as a lower seed with limited home-ice advantage. In their inaugural ECHL playoff appearance during the 2014–15 season, the Oilers, seeded fourth in the Central Division, defeated the fifth-seeded Missouri Mavericks in the division semifinals before falling to the top-seeded Allen Americans 1–4 in the division finals. The 2021–22 postseason saw Tulsa, again a fourth seed in the Mountain Division, swept 0–4 by the top-seeded Utah Grizzlies in the division semifinals. Similarly, in 2023–24, the Oilers were swept 0–4 by the Kansas City Mavericks in the division semifinals, and in 2024–25, they pushed the top-seeded Mavericks to six games before losing 2–4. The Oilers' most successful ECHL playoff run came in 2018–19, when they won the Mountain Division regular-season title with 90 points and advanced to the Western Conference Finals as the second seed. In the division semifinals, Tulsa overcame the fourth-seeded in a seven-game series, winning 4–3 highlighted by a 6–2 victory in Game 7 at home. They then faced the Central Division champion in the conference finals, splitting the first six games before dropping Game 7 2–6 on the road, ending their season one victory shy of the Finals. Across these appearances, the Oilers hold an overall playoff record of 13 wins and 19 losses in 32 games, with their single series victory underscoring the competitive nature of the league's expanded 28- bracket emphasizing development and parity. Building on their prior success in the CHL, Tulsa's postseason has focused on fostering young talent amid road-heavy series, though home win rates have hovered below 40% in elimination games. As of November 2025, the prepares for the 2025–26 season with potential for another playoff berth.

Players and personnel

Notable former players

The Tulsa Oilers have produced dozens of players who advanced to the National Hockey League (NHL) across their tenures in the (CHL) and (ECHL), including several champions, Olympic gold medalists, and Hockey Hall of Famers. Alumni from the franchise have collectively logged extensive professional experience at higher levels, highlighting its longstanding role in player development. During the 1964–1984 CHL era, the Oilers featured several future NHL standouts, including members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic "" team: defensemen Bill Baker and , forward , winger , and , all of whom honed their skills in Tulsa before representing Team USA. Other notable alumni include broadcaster and former player , who appeared in 17 games for the Oilers during the 1965–66 season, and , who played for Tulsa en route to becoming the NHL's all-time winningest U.S.-born netminder with 303 career victories. Forwards like Gary Unger, who skated in Tulsa during the late 1960s before amassing over 1,100 NHL games, also passed through the organization. The 1968 Adams Cup championship roster included key contributors such as forward Andre Hinse, who led the playoffs in scoring and went on to play 90 NHL games, and defenseman , a two-way talent who appeared in 12 NHL contests while later becoming a legendary junior coach. In the 1992–2014 CHL period, the Oilers emphasized scoring prowess and veteran leadership, with franchise all-time leaders like forward Sylvain Naud ranking first in goals (145) and points (325) over 296 games in the , helping secure multiple postseason berths. Tony Martino anchored the back end during the mid-1990s, appearing in 180 regular-season games. Right winger Luc Beausoleil holds CHL-era records with 286 goals and 363 games played for Tulsa, contributing to the 1993 Ray Miron President's Cup victory as a physical, high-energy forward. Left winger Doug Lawrence added 153 goals across 428 games, establishing himself as a prolific scorer during the franchise's formative CHL years. Since joining the in 2014, the Oilers have continued fostering talent for upward mobility. Alumni like forward Austin Poganski, who played 3 games for Tulsa in 2018–19 before making his NHL debut with the and earning an selection in 2020, exemplify the pathway to the top level. The franchise's development emphasis is evident in recent call-ups, such as forwards advancing to AHL affiliates like the , where they build on Tulsa-honed skills for potential NHL opportunities. Overall, Oilers alumni have appeared in over 500 NHL games collectively, spanning enforcers to skilled playmakers and underscoring the team's impact on professional hockey pipelines.

Coaching staff

The coaching staff of the Tulsa Oilers emphasizes player development, strategic training regimens, and , supporting the team's role as the affiliate of the NHL's and AHL's . As of the 2025-26 season, the staff focuses on advancing prospects through rigorous skill-building sessions and initiatives that identify talent for higher levels. Head coach Rob Murray has led the Oilers since June 2017, marking the longest tenure in the franchise's modern history. A former NHL defenseman with over 100 games played across five seasons, Murray brings prior head coaching experience from the AHL's Providence Bruins (2008-11) and the ECHL's Alaska Aces (2011-17), where he amassed 385 career regular-season wins, ranking among the league's all-time leaders. Under Murray in Tulsa, the team has prioritized player progression, with numerous skaters earning call-ups to the Ducks organization, including contributions to playoff runs in 2021-22 and 2024-25. His contract was extended through the 2026-27 season in May 2025, reflecting his impact on team stability and competitive performance. On October 20, 2025, Murray coached his 1,000th ECHL regular-season game, joining an elite group of league coaches. Associate coach Scott Dutertre joined the staff in October 2021 as an assistant and was promoted to associate coach in 2024. With a background in high-performance coaching and skills development from junior and professional levels, including time with the WHL's Broncos, Dutertre oversees training regimens that enhance skating, tactical awareness, and conditioning. His work supports the Oilers' emphasis on holistic player growth and community outreach, such as youth clinics and fan engagement programs in Tulsa. In recent ECHL history, the Oilers transitioned from the CHL in 2014 under , who guided the team from 2009 to 2015 and compiled a 185-180-35 record. Ramsay's tenure included the franchise's first ECHL playoff appearance in 2014-15, establishing a foundation for competitive play in the new league. Jason Christie succeeded him, serving as from 2015 to 2017 with a 64-67-9-4 mark, focusing on defensive systems and player evaluation during the early ECHL years. During the CHL era (1992-2014), early stability was provided by Garry Unger, who led the team from 1992 to 1997 and won the Adams Cup championship in the league's inaugural 1992-93 season. Unger's leadership, drawing from his NHL playing career with over 1,100 games, helped solidify the Oilers as a consistent contender in the CHL.

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