Tulsa Oilers (1964–84)

The Tulsa Oilers are a defunct professional ice hockey team. The Oilers played 20 seasons in the Central Hockey League, from 1964 to 1984, capturing the Adams Cup three times. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the team played their home games at the Tulsa Assembly Center until the 1983–84 season when they moved to Expo Square Pavilion.^[1]

History

The original Central Hockey League began its operations with the 1963–64 season, with the Tulsa Oilers joining that league for the 1964–65 season. The Oilers won the Adams Cup as the CHL champions in 1968, 1976, and 1984.

The team suspended its operations on February 16, 1984, when its owners went bankrupt and the Tulsa Oilers went into receivership. Other teams in the league paid to keep the Oilers in operation so as not to unbalance the schedule, but the Oilers played only road games for final six weeks of 1983–84 season.^[2] Despite this difficulty, the team (under coach Tom Webster) went on to win the league championship before the CHL disbanded following the end of the season.^[3]

Notable players

• Ice hockey commentator Don Cherry best known for his work at Hockey Night in Canada played one season with the Oilers in 65–66.
• Hockey Hall of Famer Marcel Pronovost followed his 20 year NHL career with two seasons of play on the Tulsa Oilers in the 69–70 and 70–71 seasons.
• Five players from the 1980 Miracle on Ice team played for the Tulsa Oilers in the late 70s and early 80s. These include Dave Silk, Bill Baker, Steve Janaszak, Rob McClanahan, and Bob Suter.
• The General Manager of the Washington Capitals, George McPhee, played for the Tulsa Oilers in the mid 80s, including the 1983-84 team which won the CHL championship while being in receivership status.^[4]

References