Kyle Bochelk

The Tulsa Oilers made a few fans happy as they announced the return of forward Kyle Bocheck to the lineup. The sixth year professional spent the entire season last year in Tulsa, but began the 2014-15 season in jolly old England.

Bochek brings considerable toughness and intensity to the club.

Last season, the Port Severn, Ontario native recorded 16 goals and 39 assists in 59 regular season appearances for the Oilers, leading the team with 177 penalty minutes. The first half of the 2014-15 campaign was spent with the Coventry Blaze ELITE Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom.  In 28 games with the Blaze Bochek posted 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) and 75 penalty minutes.

Oilers Coach Bruce Ramsay

“Plain and simple, Kyle makes our team better,” said Oilers head coach, Bruce Ramsay.  “He’s a fast, physical center who will bring energy and toughness every single time he steps on the ice.  He’s also extremely reliable in the face-off circle and I’m thrilled to have Kyle back in an Oilers uniform.”

Bochek started his professional career in Missouri with the Mavericks, he would play on three other teams in the Central Hockey league before landing in Tulsa last season. A veteran of 284 professional games, Bochek has totaled 152 points and 602 penalty minutes over the course of his career.

“I’m excited to once again be part of this organization and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of these great Tulsa fans again,” remarked Bochek.  “Coach Ramsay has put together a really talented team this season and I feel fortunate to be back.  I’ll do whatever I can to help this team win.”

The Oilers are on a season-long road trip and are about to travel to Florida to face the Florida Everblades twice and the Orlando Solar Bears once in the only set of games that take them out of the ECHL Central Division. During the Florida swing, defenseman Scott Macauley will be the lone Tulsa Oilers representative to the ECHL All Star Game to be played in Orlando on January 21st in the AMWAY Center.

Bochek’s first game back at home in Tulsa will be on Thursday January 29th in a game against the Brampton Beast. Tickets for that game and the remainder or the Oiler home schedule are available at the BOK Center Box Office or at the Tulsa Oilers office located on 46th street between Memorial and Mingo.