Oilers Bring Back Caig and Sign Pair of Rookies
October 11, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release
TULSA, OK - The Tulsa Oilers of the ECHL announced on Saturday the signing of forwards T.J. Caig and Ryan Farnan, and defenseman, Ryan Santana. All three players will skate tonight as the Oilers open training camp with a Blue-White scrimmage at 8:00 p.m. at the Oilers Ice Center.
Caig, 33, enters his second tour of duty in Tulsa after playing seven of his eight years as a pro in European leagues. A 5-foot-11, 207-pound right wing, Caig's only North American hockey season was 2009-10 when he appeared in 51 games for the Oilers and recorded 55 points (23 goals, 32 assists) to go along with 104 penalty minutes. Caig has spent time with teams in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, France, and played the 2013-14 campaign with Vipiteno in Italy. A native of Kelowna, British Columbia, Caig has reached the 20-goal and 40-point plateau in seven of his eight pro seasons and notched a career-high 95 points (27 goals, 68 assists) in 2010-11 with The Hague HYS (Netherlands).
"T.J. brings a lot of play-making ability to our lineup but he also brings plenty of toughness to the table," said Bruce Ramsay, Oilers Head Coach. "He's been a consistent point-producer throughout his career in Europe and I have no doubt that his skill set will translate well with the kind of competition we're going to face. He was one of our top perfomers four years ago and it was a no-brainer to bring him back."
Farnan, a 24-year old left wing, was signed to a tryout agreement. The Clifton Park, New York product just completed a four-year collegiate career at Division III SUNY-Plattsburgh in his home state. In 15 games during his senior season of 2013-14, Farnan registered four goals, four assists, and 23 penalty minutes. Prior to his time in college, Farnan, 6-foot-0, 185-pounds, finished his junior hockey days with the Syracuse Stars (EJHL) in the 2009-10 season and ranked second on the squad with 59 points (28 goals, 31 assists) in 44 games.
"We've had plenty of success finding players from small college programs and I think Ryan is one of those hard-working players who will do whatever it takes to get the job done," remarked Ramsay. "I'm looking forward to seeing him on the ice and watching him make the most of this opportunity."
The 2013-14 season was Santana's first taste of pro hockey as he appeared in 12 games with the Reading Royals (ECHL) and 12 contests with the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL). Hailing from Yorba Linda, California, Santana traveled all the way to the opposite coast to play college hockey at Boston University. As a senior captain at BU in 2012-13, Santana, 6-foot-1, 200-pounds, scored two goals and dished out 10 assists while suiting up in 39 games.
"Ryan played at the highest level of college hockey and comes to us with valuable professional experience that will undoubtedly serve him well as he starts his first full season in the ECHL," Ramsay commented. "He uses his size to his advantage and plays a very solid, fundamentally sound, brand of hockey. He can be a tremendous asset on our blue line and we're excited to have him in Tulsa."
The Oilers open their 2014 training camp with tonight's scrimmage and will continue camp through Thursday, October 16. The ECHL regular season begins on October 17 but the Oilers won't play their opener until October 24 at Allen. Tulsa's first home game is set for Sunday, October 26 at 4:05 p.m. against the Wichita Thunder.
To purchase individual game tickets or season tickets, call the Oilers' office at 918-632-7825 or visit www.bokcenter.com.
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