TULSA, Okla — Tony Martino has been named as the next head coach of the Tulsa Oilers CHL squad. He replaces Dan Hodge, who was terminated on December 29, 2008 after leading the Oilers to a 6-15-3 last place start in the CHL’s Northeast division.
Martino, a veteran of the Oilers legendary 1993 CHL championship squad, was a dark horse pick of many Oilers fans after Hodge’s termination was announced. He is expected to coach his first game as the Oilers’ mentor on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 when the Oilers take on the Texas Brahmas at Tulsa’s BOK Center.
Oilers GM Taylor Hall, a veteran of the 1993 championship team himself, coached the team in the interim.
“Tony brings the experience and years of recruiting contacts we’re looking for in a coach,” Hall said. “Our fans know the passion he brings to the game.”
Oilers owner Jeff Lund echoed Hall’s words.
“I know all of our fans remember how fiery of a competitor Tony was as a player,” Lund said. “We’re looking forward to him bringing that same spirit behind the bench as our head coach.
Martino helped lead the Oilers to the 1993 Central Hockey League championship, the first season of the reborn league. He brings CHL coaching experience as well as NHL scouting experience with the Columbus Blue Jackets into play as he assumes his duties.
Martino is the 4th Oilers’ player to hold the position of head coach since 1999. The other were Shaun Clouston, (1999-2001), Butch Kaebel, (2004-2007) and Dan Hodge, (2007-2008).
“I’m excited about coming back to Tulsa. I remember the glory days and want to bring it back to that level,” Martino said. “There’s nothing but positives about the Oilers and the city of Tulsa. I understand the building is NHL caliber and that’s great for the fans and the city to have that standard in Tulsa.”
contact the author at: rich.lohman@prohockeynews.com
