Tulsa Re-Signs Tyler Fleck

[chilly666]

TULSA, OK - He's laced up the skates for 13 CHL seasons and more than 700 games, but Tyler Fleck isn't ready to call it a career.

The Tulsa Oilers announced today that the 33-year old defenseman has signed for the upcoming 2012-13 season.

Last season, Fleck played in all 66 games for the Oilers. He chipped in three goals and five assists while anchoring Tulsa's defensive unit and serving as a constant presence on the Oilers penalty kill.

"Because I was healthy throughout last season, I feel good and I still feel like I can help this team and contribute," said Fleck. "I know Rammer is going to bring in some new talent, we've got a good group of guys coming back and it's going to be an exciting year to be a Tulsa Oiler."

"Tyler is a great leader and one of the best veteran players in pro hockey," said Oilers Head Coach Bruce Ramsay. "There is no one more dependable than Flecker and I've never seen anyone who can block a shot with any part of his body."

Since arriving in Tulsa midway through the 2009-10 season, Fleck has been an ironman for the Oilers. He has a current streak of 142 consecutive games played and last season he became only the fifth player in league history to play in his 700. The Carlyle, Saskatchewan native wore the "C" on his sweater last season and takes his role as Oilers captain very seriously.

"It means a lot to me and it's something I take a great deal of pride in," Fleck said. "I like working with the young guys, I like teaching them in different areas, and I want to do whatever I can to help this team win."

"He's such a valuable asset to this hockey club," said Ramsay. "He has so many leadership qualities both on the ice and in the locker room and he makes my job so much easier by acting as a second coach out there."

Fleck, a two-time CHL All-Star, is committed to growing the game of hockey in NE Oklahoma. He recently hosted a Tulsa version of his Canadian Supercamp for aspiring players of all ages. With the help of his Oilers teammates and many other pro players, Fleck will put on several camps later this summer in his home province of Saskatchewan.