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Tulsa Oilers

Nathan Lutz Signs with Oilers for Third Season

July 6, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release


TULSA, OK - The Tulsa Oilers announced on Monday the signing of defenseman Nathan Lutz for the 2015-16 season. Lutz, a fan favorite and the Oilers' captain for each of the last two years, is entering his third season in Tulsa and his 15th season of pro hockey.

"At this point in my career, I wouldn't think of playing anywhere else," said the 37-year old Lutz. "Tulsa feels like a second home to me and my family. We've met a lot of awesome people and we're excited to come back to so many friendly and familiar faces."

"In a relatively short period of time, Nathan Lutz has become one of the most popular players to ever put on the Oilers' uniform," said Tulsa General Manager, Taylor Hall. "He plays the game with an intensity and an edge that our fans absolutely love and he commands a tremendous amount of respect in our locker room. He is a first-class individual and we couldn't be happier to have him back in Tulsa for the upcoming season."

Lutz, a native of Mistatim, Saskatchewan, appeared in all 72 games during the 2014-15 campaign and posted 38 points (6 goals, 32 assists), the fourth-highest point total of his career. In January, Lutz played in his 800th career game and in February, the 6-foot-1, 230-pound blue-liner netted his 100th professional goal. Lutz ranked second on the Oilers' squad with 117 penalty minutes and registered a +17 rating, fourth-best on the team.

"Last year I felt like I had one of my best seasons and I knew I wanted to play one more," Lutz remarked. "It's a different game now. The guys in this league are younger and faster and I know I have to keep myself in great shape or I won't have a job. Being a veteran guy, I think my experience helps me play the game a little smarter and I've worked really hard to increase my strength and stamina to continue to be productive at this level."

Lutz, who made his professional debut with the Reading Royals (ECHL) in the 2001-02 season, has appeared in 199 consecutive regular season games and has been a part of ten playoff teams. He won a UHL championship with the Rockford Ice Hogs in 2006-07 and was selected as a Central Hockey League All-Star as a member of the Mississippi Riverkings in 2010-11. In 838 total games across seven leagues and five countries, Lutz has put up 101 goals, 286 assists and 1450 penalty minutes. For a third consecutive season, he will be the oldest player on the Oilers' roster.

"I know we have a good core group of guys coming back and I know everyone really enjoys playing in Tulsa," Lutz stated. "Even though the team is still in the process of finding a new coach, I know that whoever comes in is going to find a lot of talent ready to go and a group of guys who are hungry to take another step forward."

Lutz and the Oilers open the 2015-16 season on Friday, October 16 at 7:05 p.m. against their long-time rival, the Wichita Thunder. For information about season tickets or group tickets, call 918-632-7825 or visit www.tulsaoilers.com.  Click here to view the complete 2015-16 Oilers' schedule.

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