TULSA, Okla. – The Tulsa Oilers announced the return of a familiar face on Monday with the signing of center, Kyle Bochek. The sixth-year pro spent the entire 2013-14 campaign in Tulsa and is back in the Sooner State after playing the first half of the season with the Coventry Blaze of the ELITE Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom. The Oilers also announced the release of forward Luke Judson who registered six points (1 goal, 5 assists) in 24 games.
“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.”
Photo by Les Stockton
In 28 games across the pond, Bochek posted 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) and 75 penalty minutes. Last season, the Port Severn, Ontario native recorded 16 goals and 39 assists in 59 regular season appearances for the Oilers. Bochek, 26, led Tulsa with 177 penalty minutes and tied for third on the team with a +14 rating. The 6-foot-0, 200-pound center chipped in a goal and two assists during the Oilers’ 2014 Central Hockey League postseason run.
“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.”
Bochek made his pro debut with the Missouri Mavericks in 2009 and went on to play for the Dayton Gems (CHL) and Bloomington Blaze (CHL) before landing in Tulsa in 2013. A veteran of 284 professional games, Bochek has totaled 152 points and 602 penalty minutes over the course of his career.
Bochek and the Oilers travel to Florida this week for their only games of the season outside of the Central Division. On Wednesday and Friday, the Oilers battle the East Division-leading Florida Everblades and complete their tour of the Sunshine State with a visit to the Orlando Solar Bears on Saturday.
Contact the photographer: les.stockton@prohockeynews.com
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