OILERS ADD ROOKIE, VETERAN FROM AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE

OILERS ADDROOKIE, VETERAN FROM AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE 

Tulsa adds secondand third American International products with the addition of rookie forwardDarius Davidson and veteran forward Tommy Mele.

TULSA, OK — The Tulsa Oilers, proud ECHL affiliate of theNational Hockey League’s St. Louis Blues, announced Friday the signings ofrookie forward Darius Davidson and veteran forward Tommy Mele.  

Davidson, 23, joins the Oilers directly from the college ranks.The Surrey, BC native played his college hockey at American InternationalCollege, compiling 20 points (11G, 9A) in 64 games with the Yellow Jackets. Davidsonhelped AIC to their first ever NCAA Tournament berth in 2018-19, where theyupset top seed St. Cloud State. The 6’1, 205lbs. forward played his juniorhockey in the BCHL for the Surrey Eagles and Penticton Vees, posting 152 points(76G, 76A) in 223 career games.

“I’m eager to see what Davidson brings to the table,” head coachRob Murray said. “He’s a bigger forward, who is still young. We’re familiarwith the program that he’s coming from, and they had their most successfulseason ever last year. Hopefully he can continue on the success he had there.”

Mele, 33, returns to the Oilers after joining the team in themiddle of the 2018-19 season, his second stint with the team. The Bronx, NYnative also played his college hockey at AIC, totaling 55 points (32G, 23A) in132 games — he was the team’s captain his senior season.

Mele has spent the majority of his professional career in theECHL, playing for Alaska, Norfolk, Cincinnati, Greenville and Kalamazoo andTulsa, winning the Kelly Cup under coach Murray’s direction in 2013-14.  Mele has compiled 157 points (86G, 71A) and607 PIM in 324 career ECHL games. The 6’0, 176 lbs. veteran forward has alsospent time in the CHL, AHL and in Britain’s EIHL.

“Mele is looking for a bounce-back year,” head coach Rob Murraysaid.” “He had some injuries that have set him back, and he is excited for ahealthy start. We all know what he can contribute and be a valuable asset whenhe is healthy.”

The Oilers host the Kansas City Mavericks to open the regularseason on Friday, October 11th at 7:05 p.m. at the BOK Center. Opening weekendwill then see the Allen Americans come to town on Saturday, October 12th,before the Oilers close out the weekend with a Sunday matinee game against theRapid City Rush at 4:05 p.m.

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Oilers Season and Group Tickets are on sale now! Call the Oilersfront office at 918-632-PUCK (7825) or visit www.tulsaoilers.com formore information.

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