DEFENSIVE DUO BACK IN THE 918

DEFENSIVE DUO BACK IN THE 918

Defensemen Jarod Hilderman and Justin Bean return for 2023-24 season 

TULSA, Okla. —The Tulsa Oilers, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks and the AHL’s San Diego Gulls and powered by Community Care, announced Thursday the signing of defensemen Jarod Hilderman and Justin Bean .     

Hilderman, 26, readies for his third season as an Oiler, totaling 33 points (4G, 29A) in 92 games. 

“Hildy is coming into his third year with the team,” said head coach rob Murray. “He made huge strides in his overall game last summer, and above all, he was consistent last year. We would call on him to log 30 minutes a night, and he had no problem with that. He also spent a good chunk of time in the AHL, playing 16 games with the Gulls and Wolves. Hopefully he continues on his path, and he will have the chance to impress San Diego at camp again this summer.”

 

A rotational wearer of the “A”, Hilderman finished last season with a career-high 17 points (3G, 14A) in just 44 games played. The right-handed defenseman made his AHL debut last season, playing 14 games with the San Diego Gulls and two games with the Chicago Wolves. 

Prior to turning pro, the Yorktown, Saskatchewan native won two NCAA National Championships with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, compiling 11 points (1G, 10A) in 67 games with the Bulldogs. 

Bean, 27, ventures back to Tulsa for his second campaign with the Oilers, producing 24 points (4G, 20A) in 71 games played en route to Defensive Player of the Year honors. 

“Bean is a big, strong defenseman,” said head coach Rob Murray. “He spent the majority of last year paired up with Mike McKee on our shutdown pairing. He showed flashes of offensive ability at times, which is a nice addition. We expect our defensive group to be stronger physically this year, and he may be able to bring more physicality with his game without having to water down his style of play because of minutes.” 

The 6’2. 205 lbs. defenseman made his pro debut with the Cincinnati Cyclones before finishing the campaign with Wichita, notching 10 assists in 38 games. Three of Bean’s four goals last season came on the power play. 

The Pickering, Ontario native spent four years at York University in the USports system, logging 37 points (10G, 27A) in 77 games. Prior to college, Bean spent 76 games in the OHL and captained the OJHL Wellington Dukes. 

The Oilers play two preseason games in 2023. Starting on the road against the Allen Americans at Nytex Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, Texas at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13. The Oilers return to Tulsa on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m. at the Oilers Ice Center, hosting the Americans in the second game of a home-and-home series. 

Tulsa opens its season on the road on Saturday, Oct. 21 in West Valley City, Utah at 8:10 p.m. CT against the Utah Grizzlies. The Oilers return to “The Rig” for their home opener on Saturday, Oct. 28, hosting the Cincinnati Cyclones for an inter-divisional battle at the BOK Center at 7:05 p.m. 

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.

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The Tulsa Oilers Family, consisting of the Tulsa Oilers Hockey Team (ECHL) the Tulsa Oilers Football Team (IFL), The Oilers Ice Center and the WeStreet Ice Center aims to provide entertainment and camaraderie for the Greater Tulsa community. Starting originally as a hockey team in 1928, the Oilers added Tulsa Oilers Football, The Oilers Ice Center and announced the construction of the WeStreet Ice Center in 2022. The Oilers Family continues to grow and provide top-tier entertainment in 2023 and beyond.