Lani Hansen/Senior Reporter
TULSA, Oklahoma– Tulsa Oilers hockey returns to the BOK Center on Friday, April 1 for Native American Heritage Night against their rivals the Wichita Thunder.
Native American Heritage Night with the Oilers started in 2021 when the idea came to combine the Native American community with hockey. The night recognizes all 39 tribes in Oklahoma.
According to the Oilers Corporate Ambassador and Radio/TV Broadcaster Luke Hamilton, they will have representation from a few tribes including bringing in Pawnee dancers to perform in the lobby. One of the Native American representatives with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, who is the sponsor for the night’s game, will be dropping the first puck.
“Miss Oil Capital of 2022 will be there, who is of the Cherokee Nation, also will be dropping the first puck,” Hamilton said. “There will be some Native American owned businesses with some booths set up with information. We will also have a specialty t-shirt at the merchandise stand that people can purchase.”
During the game facts will be posted on the jumbotron screen about how much the Native American communities are connected to hockey and National Hockey Leagues. Hamilton mentioned one of the best goalies in hockey is Carey Price, a Native representative from the Montreal Canadiens.
Hamilton said Tulsa Oilers are highly encouraging everyone to come on out April 1 being one of their last home games of the season.
“Native American Heritage Night was one of the favorite specialty nights to season ticket holders and fans last year,” he said.
The Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder play at 7:05 p.m. on April 1 at the BOK Center.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at: tulsaoilers.com, or for ticket discount contact Luke Hamilton at: 918-632-7285 or luke@tulsaoilers.com
Tickets can also be purchased at the BOK Center ticket office the night of the event.
