Tulsa Oilers break silence, re-sign dynamic duo

TULSA, Okla. – The Tulsa Oilers announced they have re-signed two members of their defensive core, Derek Eastman and Sean Erickson, for the upcoming 2011-12 campaign.
Both will be entering their third seasons with the Oilers.

Eastman, 31, will be the player-assistant coach for Tulsa this season. The St. Paul, Minnesota native finished fourth among all Central Hockey League defensemen in scoring last season with 51 points (13 G, 38 A) and was named to the 2011 CHL All-Star team. He added eight points (2 G, 6 A) and 20 PIM during the playoffs.
Entering his eighth pro season, Eastman has registered 96 points (22 G, 74 A) and 206 penalty minutes in 129 career games with the Oilers.
Erickson, 27, had his best pro season a year ago with 36 points (15 G, 21 A, +11), doubling his point total from his rookie season (2009-10). He added two assists and eight PIM during the post-season.
The Eden Prairie, Minnesota native has totaled 54 points (20 G, 34 A) and 72 penalty minutes as an Oiler. “The leadership and offensive capabilities that these two bring to the Oilers is unmatched in the CHL,” Tulsa Head Coach Bruce Ramsay said. “I expect them, as defensive partners to be one of the most prolific units in the league next season.”
Besides the expansion Bloomington Blaze, the Oilers were the only team in the league not to have announced any player signings for the upcoming season until today.
Last season, the Oilers finished third in the Berry Conference with a 35-25-6 record and earned their first trip to the post-season since 2005. They went on to defeat the Mississippi RiverKings three games to two in the opening round (their first playoff series win since 1994) before themselves falling three games to two to the eventual league champions, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.
In May, the Oilers signed Ramsay to a two-year contract extension that will carry him through to the end of the 2012-2013 season. Ramsay’s regular season record with the Oilers is 63-54-13.
“There’s no question we took some great steps last season and are headed in the right direction,” Ramsay said after his new contract was announced. “The fans really got back into it, and we’re looking forward to next season.”
Contact the writer at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com

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