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CHL Tulsa Oilers

Mix Of Old Foes, Returnees In Oilers Camp

September 30, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release


Even with a new Central Hockey League season, there will be plenty of familiar names to Tulsa Oilers fans on the team's training camp roster. It's just that not all of the names will be familiar for having played with the Oilers.

Among the forwards reporting to camp, six will have played significant roles in the CHL in the past. Two of those will be coming back from last year's Oilers team.

Right wing Mike Beausoleil was the Oilers second leading scorer last year, after several successful seasons in Oklahoma City and in the International Hockey League. Beausoleil missed only one game-serving a CHL suspension in the home opener at the BOK Center, ironically against Oklahoma City-and had 19 goals and 42 assists for 61 points. He was also second on the team with three game winning goals.

On the left side, Jake Riddle, who was only slowed by a November knee injury that forced him to miss 12 games also returns for the Oilers. The 6-foot-1, 212-pounder still managed 22 goals and 17 assists in his 52 games.

"I expect Jake to be an elite power forward in this league," Oilers head coach Bruce Ramsay said. "He had a breakout year last year and he should continue on that success."

While fans are used to cheering for Beausoleil and Riddle, it may take Oiler fans some getting used to cheering for right wing Marty Standish. The former longtime Oklahoma City Blazer played last season in the International Hockey League. He's topped the 20 goal plateau five times in his career, 30 goals three times, and 40 goals once. Ramsay is looking forward to having him rejoin the same team as Beausoleil.

"Marty and Mike give us good veteran leadership and firepower. They have great offensive capability," Ramsay said.

While there may be a period of adjustment for Oiler fans to warm up to old nemesis Standish, such won't be the case for Dallas Steward. He played his rookie season with the OIlers in 2004-05 and became a fan favorite with his heart and hustle packed into his 5-foot-6, 180 pound frame. Steward had a career high 15 goals his rookie campaign. "He just has a relentless work ethic, who works as hard at the start of the game as the end of the game," Ramsay said.

Another power forward who brings veteran experience is Aaron Davis, who has played for five different CHL teams and three ECHL teams. Last season the 6-foot-210 pound center split time between Texas and Rocky Mountain, eclipsing the point a game mark with 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points in a combined 35 games.

Ramsay is also eager to see what 6-foot-3, 225 pound right wing Rick Kozak will bring to the table for the Oilers.

"He fights, he hits, he scores goals. He has good size," Ramsay said. "He could move up to the next level."

Last season with Laredo, Kozak had a career high 44 points on 21 goals and 23 assists in 43 games, while amassing 163 penalty minutes.

The Oilers begin training camp on Monday October 5th. They will have an intra squad game on Tuesday October 6th at the Oilers Ice Center (64th and Mingo) at 7 p.m. That game will be free to season ticket holders and $10 for non season ticket holders.

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