Unger, MacIver and Miron to appear at Tulsa Oilers Alumni Game

TULSA, Okla. – Garry Unger, the most memorable coach in Tulsa Oilers history, and Don MacIver, a stalwart defenseman for Tulsa in the early 1980’s, will be back on the ice for the Oilers Alumni Game on Saturday, August 25th. Ray Miron, co-founder of the Central Hockey League and namesake of the championship trophy, will drop the ceremonial puck before the game.
Longtime Oilers fans remember Unger as the leader of Tulsa’s 1992-93 CHL championship squad. The Calgary native was behind the Oilers bench for seven successful seasons and compiled a record of 230-187-10. Unger is sixth on the CHL list of all-time wins (292) and games coached (568).
“Our team was such a close family and the city of Tulsa really accepted that team during that first year,” Unger remembered. “Tulsa was and still is one of those places players really wanted to play because all they heard were good things about the city and the team.”

Before embarking on a 17-year playing career in the NHL, Unger suited up for the Oilers in 11 games between 1966 and 1968. In the NHL, Unger became known as the “Iron Man” by setting a record for playing in 914 consecutive games over the course of 11 years and four different teams. He scored 413 goals in 1105 NHL games and now runs a hockey academy in Banff, Alberta. 
Despite all of his achievements and travels, Unger still keeps a home in Tulsa and looks forward to coming back for the Alumni Game.
“Whenever you win a title with a team, you have a special bond and I certainly have a special bond with those players and with the city,” the 64-year old Unger said. “The Oilers have such a strong tradition and the Alumni Game is part of that tradition. It’s like a big reunion for all of us and I’m lucky to be a part of it.”
MacIver, who has played in each of the previous Oilers Alumni Games, spent four seasons on the Tulsa blue line from 1979-1983. MacIver arrived in Oklahoma after a stint in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets and he still recalls his first memories of Tulsa.
“Being Canadian, I’m used to rather cruel winters,” MacIver said. “When I came to Tulsa for the first time and walked out of the airport I remember being hit by a heat wave. I’d never experienced anything like that in September.”
MacIver survived the heat and is one of many former Oilers players who have settled down to make their home in Tulsa. The 57-year old works as an anesthesiologist and still plays hockey once a week in the men’s league at the Oilers Ice Center.
“The Alumni Game is always a lot of fun, but underneath the surface, there’s still a competitive spirit,” MacIver said. “We all want to win and I don’t think that ever really leaves you. The best part is just being around the guys because if you ask anyone who’s played the game, they’ll tell you that’s what they miss the most.”
Miron was instrumental in the rebirth of the CHL in 1992. Along with Horn Chen, Miron formed a six-team league which has evolved into the CHL of today. Miron also worked as an executive for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Rockies of the NHL. In 2004, the NHL presented Miron with the Lester Patrick Trophy for his outstanding contributions to the game of hockey in the United States.
The Alumni Game, which did not take place last year due to renovations at the Oilers Ice Center, is a highlight of the Oilers off-season for both the returning players and the fans.
Each team will have a celebrity coach and this year, the Oilers are pleased to welcome back former Channel 8 Sports Director Chris Lincoln who has a 2-0 record behind the bench. Lincoln’s assistant behind the Blue bench will be FOX23 Daybreak anchor Ron Terrell. Larry McIntyre, a former Oilers defenseman and coach, will lead the Oilers White Team. McIntyre will be assisted by Alan Crone, morning meteorologist at the News On 6.
Other former Oilers players who will be returning for the game include Doug Pirnak, Derek Toninato, Tom Karalis, Klage Kaebel, David Beauregard, Jim Wiley and Todd Marcellus.
Contact comments@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at les.stockton@prohockeynews.com
Follow us on Twitter (@prohockeynews)