Oilers Add Rookie Forward
Published on August 20, 2026 under ECHL (ECHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release
Tulsa, Okla. - Tulsa Oilers, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks and the AHL's San Diego Gulls, and powered by Community Care, announced the signing of rookie forward Max Itagaki out of Ferris State University.
Itagaki (24) comes off an NCAA career split between Army and Ferris State. The gritty skater finished his final two collegiate seasons with the Ferris State Bulldogs, compiling 27 points (8g, 19a) in 54 games.
Prior to his time in the state of Michigan, the 5-foot-6 inch, 154-pound forward spent his first two seasons in the NCAA with the Army Black Knights, earning "NCAA (AHA) Rookie of the Year " in the 2022-23 season with 33 points (4g, 29a). The Glenview, Illinois native recorded 85 points (18g, 67a) in 125 NCAA games across four seasons.
"Max is a dynamic, smaller player that doesn't fear contact," said head coach Rob Murray. "He uses his hockey sense and ability to make plays and is similar to what our fans have grown to appreciate about a player like Tyler Poulsen."
Itagaki joins Ian Amsbaugh (F), Connor Fedorek (D), Ethan Benz (F), Zachary Murray (F), Jay Dickman (F), and Tyler Poulsen (F) as announced signings for the 2026-27 season.
The Tulsa Oilers begin the regular season hosting the Allen Americans on October 17 at the BOK Center. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. CT.
Oilers Season and Group Tickets are on sale now! Call the Oilers front office at 918-632-PUCK (7825) or visit www.tulsaoilers.com for more information.
ECHL Stories from August 20, 2026
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- Knight Monsters Announce Premium Knights Schedule for 2026-27 Season - Tahoe Knight Monsters
- Oilers Add Rookie Forward - Tulsa Oilers
- Alex Young Traded to Rapid City for Future Considerations - Atlanta Gladiators
- Rush Acquire Top-End Scorer Alex Young - Rapid City Rush
- Underwood Returns for Third Season in Maine - Maine Mariners
- Nailers Acquire Robby Drazner's Rights from Kalamazoo - Wheeling Nailers
- Goatheads Add Defenseman Noah Barlage to Inaugural Blue Line - New Mexico Goatheads
- Boise Native Luke Mylymok Signs with Steelheads - Idaho Steelheads
- Royals Sign 2x Kelly Cup Champion, 6'2" Blue-Liner Zach Berzolla for 2026-27 Season - Reading Royals
- Everblades Sign Defenseman Riese Zmolek - Florida Everblades
- Thunder Sign 6'7'' Defenseman Steven MacLean - Adirondack Thunder
- Greensboro Gargoyles Announce Full Promotional Schedule - Greensboro Gargoyles
- Americans Announce Trio of Returning Players - Allen Americans
- K-Wings Bolster 2026-27 Roster with Forward Konstantin Khremkin - Kalamazoo Wings
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