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ECHL Tulsa Oilers

Bochek and Larke Agree to Terms for 2015-16 Season

July 20, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release


TULSA, OK - The Tulsa Oilers announced today the signing of forwards Kyle Bochek and Matt Larke for the 2015-16 season. Bochek and Larke, who will be teammates for a sixth consecutive season, are making their way back to Tulsa for a third straight year.

Bochek, 27, played the first half of last season with the Coventry Blaze in England before moving across the pond to join the Oilers for his first foray into the ECHL. In 33 games, the Port Severn, Ontario native tallied 10 goals, 10 assists, and 60 penalty minutes. He recorded four multi-point outings and appeared in all five of the Oilers' playoff games. Bochek first arrived in Tulsa prior to the 2013-14 season and in 59 appearances, the 6-foot-0, 200-pound center posted career-highs in goals (16), assists (34), and penalty minutes (177).

"I knew immediately at the end of last season that I wanted to come back to Tulsa," said Bochek. "I'm very comfortable with the people and the organization and I just love it there. I think all of us gained so much valuable experience and knowledge last season and I don't see any reason why we can't pick up where we left off and make the necessary improvements to push deeper into the playoffs."

A veteran of 282 professional games, Bochek began his career in 2009 with the Missouri Mavericks (CHL) and made stops with the Knoxville Ice Bears (SPHL), Dayton Gems (CHL), and Bloomington Blaze (CHL).

"I guess I'm considered one of the old guys now and maybe there's a little bit of added pressure but I love the challenge of still having to go out there and earn my spot," Bochek stated. "I'm going to push myself that much harder and embrace the role of being a leader on this team."

Larke, 6-foot-0, 190-pounds, also started the 2014-15 season in England and appeared in 11 games for the Hull Stingrays before playing the remainder of the season with the Oilers. An injury prevented Larke from hitting the ice in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, but he registered 24 points (8 goals, 16 assists) in 54 games during the regular season. The 28-year old originally signed with the Oilers in March of 2014 and contributed three goals and two assists in the final six games of the 2013-14 regular season. Larke, who hails from Royal Oak, Michigan, continued his point production in the first round of the 2014 Central Hockey League Playoffs with a goal and three assists in the Oilers' series against the Denver Cutthroats.

"I know we have a great core of players coming back and that's exciting because chemistry is such a big thing in hockey and we should be able to mesh as a team right from the start," Larke said. "Tulsa is just such a good fit for me because of the fans, the arena, and the fact that I like my role. I'm looking forward to learning from the new coach and achieving great things this season."

The Oilers open their 24th consecutive season of hockey on Friday, October 16 at 7:05 p.m. against the Wichita Thunder. For information on tickets to Opening Night or season tickets, call 918-632-7825 or visit www.tulsaoilers.com.

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