CHL Tulsa Oilers

Tyler Fleck Announces Retirement After 14 Seasons in CHL

Published on March 22, 2013 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release


TULSA, OK - After 14 seasons of minor professional hockey, Oilers defenseman Tyler Fleck will retire following Tulsa's regular season finale on Sunday afternoon.

Fleck, the Oilers captain for each of the last three seasons, will play in his 773rd career game on Sunday when the Oilers host the Allen Americans. Every single game of Fleck's career has been played in the Central Hockey League. He's second on the CHL list of all-time games played and is one of only five players in league history to surpass the 700-game mark. The 34-year old has played more than 200 of those games in a Tulsa uniform.

"I still love the game, I still love playing the game, but it's time for me to walk away," said Fleck. "I'm very grateful to the Oilers organization for these last few seasons and I know I'm going to miss being around the guys but I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family. I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish in the game of hockey and I want to thank all my teammates over the years who have helped me in so many ways."

Fleck finishes a distinguished career with 40 goals, 157 assists, and 1,522 penalty minutes. He recorded 12 points in 66 career postseason games.

"Tyler Fleck is the grittiest player to ever put on an Oilers jersey," said Jeff Lund, Oilers Owner and President. "He gave everything he had every shift, every night. He's a first-class individual and he embodies everything we want our organization to stand for. Hockey in Tulsa is not going to be the same without Tyler Fleck, but we wish him and his family nothing but the best."

Fleck's pro career began in the 1999-00 season with the Oklahoma City Blazers. The Saskatchewan native spent ten seasons in the Oklahoma capital and helped lead the Blazers to a CHL Championship in 2001. A two-time CHL All-Star (2004, 2009), Fleck recorded a career-high 24 points during the 2004-05 campaign and was part of seven playoff runs with the Blazers. In 2006-07, Fleck was named the "Best Bodychecker" in the CHL and during the 2008-09 season he was voted the "Best Defensive Defenseman" and "Best Leader" in the CHL. In 2009 Fleck was honored as the first CHL player to receive the N.Thomas Berry Commitment Cup. The award, normally reserved for management and front office personnel, recognizes dedication and commitment to the league.

After a brief, 20-game stint with the Missouri Mavericks to start the 2009-10 season, Fleck landed in Tulsa. From October 15, 2010 to October 28, 2012, the veteran blue-liner appeared in 147 consecutive contests. Gifted with incredible toughness and durability, Fleck played in 60 or more games in eight seasons.

During his time with the Oilers, Fleck has been the anchor of the Tulsa rearguard and a reliable presence on the Oilers penalty kill. Never one to shy away from blocking shots, Fleck's sacrifice, drive, and determination, have endeared him to his teammates and thousands of hockey fans across the state of Oklahoma.

"Not only is Tyler Fleck one of the most professional players I've ever had the privilege to coach, he's also the hardest working hockey player I've ever been around," said Oilers Head Coach, Bruce Ramsay. "He is respected by his teammates and everyone around this league because he's always played the game the right way. He's going to be missed."

Even though he will no longer play hockey competitively, Fleck will continue to give back to the sport. His "Canadian Supercamp" in his hometown of Estevan, Saskatchewan teaches more than 300 kids every summer and Fleck has also started a version of the camp in Tulsa.

Fleck resides in Edmond with his wife Melissa, and daughter, Taryn.

Fleck and the Oilers will host Wichita on Saturday, March 23 at 7:35 p.m. on "Fan Appreciation" Night at the BOK Center. Tulsa wraps up the regular season on Sunday with a 4:05 p.m. face off against the Allen Americans.

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