OILERS ADD FORMER BUCK TO BLUE LINE

TULSA, OK – The Tulsa Oilers have added depth on defense with the signing of Kyle Mariani.

The 23-year old Mariani will be entering his second season of pro hockey after spending his rookie campaign with the Laredo Bucks.  In 65 games last season, Mariani recorded six goals and seven assists.  Before turning pro, the Toronto native played four years of junior hockey in eastern Canada and recorded a career-high 32 points during the 2009-10 season with the Halifax Lions (MJAHL).

“I was always impressed with Kyle when we played against Laredo last year,” said Oilers Head Coach Bruce Ramsay.  “He’s a solid defenseman who can contribute on the offensive end of the ice and I think he’s going to be a great addition to our team.”

“Now that I have a year under my belt, I know this season will be better for me,” Mariani said.  “The experience I had in Laredo was definitely valuable.  I’ve learned from it and I’ve worked extremely hard to improve my game in the offseason so I can come in and help this team win.”

As a member of the Bucks, Mariani faced the Oilers four times last season with three of those meetings at the BOK Center.

“I thought it was one of the best rinks in the league,” said the 6’0” 190-pound Mariani.  “I know a couple of the guys who were on the team last year and they told me I’d love it in Tulsa so I’m looking forward to getting this season started.”