TULSA, OK- The Jr. Oilers have added defenseman Michael Hutchinson and forward Nate Nelson for the upcoming 2012-13 WSHL season.
Michael Hutchinson
Hutchinson, a 5’9″ 190- pound blue-liner joins the Jr. Oilers after spending last season as a member of the Daytona Blaze in TEHL. Prior to his time in Daytona, the 17-year old Hutchinson played for the Boston Jr. Terriers from 2011-2012. Also the Boston, Mass native played high school hockey for the Boston Jr. Bandits from 2010-2011.
“I was playing in the TEHL (Tropical Elite Hockey League) in Florida and it was kind of turning into a big mess with lots of players leaving,” said Hutchinson. “I didn’t know anything about Tulsa or about the team, but I heard good things, and I think it’s a good fit for me. I really like all the kids here and I’ll do whatever I can to help the team.”
Hutchinson described the process of getting to Tulsa. “It’s been kind of crazy going from Boston to Daytona Beach to Tulsa but I’m happy to be here because without this opportunity I don’t know if I’d be playing hockey this season, ” commented Hutchinson. “I’d like to keep moving forward with hockey and just see where it goes, it’d be great to end up at a D-1 school back in the Boston area.”
In addition to Hutchinson joining the Jr. Oilers is Nate Nelson, a power forward from White Lake, Michigan. Nelson, the 6’6″ 205 pounder, skated with the Boulder Bison of the WSHL and was aquired via a trade.
Nate Nelson
“I’m excited to be here in Tulsa, it seems like a great program and a place where I can come in and help the team put some wins on the board,” said Nelson. “The guys have been great, it looks like there’s a strong team here. Being part of a first year team is always good and it seems like there’s a good foundation in place here. There is a lot of support from the CHL team so it looks like they’ve started this off the right way.”
Being familiar with the WSHL, Nate looks forward to improving his development. “I consider myself a power forward, I play the body when I can, and I like to set people up for goals. There aren’t many 6-foot-6 guys in junior hockey so I definitely have an advantage with my size because it really can be intimidating sometimes, ” added Nelson, “I’d like to go play college hockey and one day I would love to sign a pro contract.”
Tulsa plays its home opener at the Oilers Ice Center on October 12 against the Texas Junior Brahmas. General admission tickets for the Junior Oilers are $10 for adults and $7 for kids ages five and under. For more information call 918-632-PUCK.
