This week we will cover several bits of news and notes from the local sports scene.
Tulsa’s newest ice center, WeStreet Ice Center, is featured in the July-August issue of Rink Magazine, published by the United States’ Rink Association. The article is entitled “Striking Oil.”
The article goes into detail about how the ice center came about, from converting the old Macy’s department store location at Tulsa Promenade mall, to its impact on ice sports in the region.
“WeStreet Ice Center is even better than I had envisioned,” owner Andy Scurto said in press release. “I wanted to create a fun open environment, providing quality family entertainment and I think we have accomplished that and more. I am very proud of what we have created and always enjoy showing the place off and seeing the center featured in write-ups.”
The 140,000 square foot facility, including Puck’s Sports Bar and Grill, is open 365 days a year and is always available for tours.
WeStreet Ice Center will host its first professional game, a preseason match between the Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder, on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7:05 p.m. The venue is the regular practice facility for the Tulsa Oilers hockey team. The Oilers regular season begins on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the BOK Center at 7:05 p.m., hosting the Rapid City Rush.
The WeStreet Ice Center will also be the host of the new Tulsa Jr. Oilers NA3HL team, and the Oklahoma State hockey team.
ADAMS IN THE CFL
D’Marcus Adams of the Tulsa Oilers Football team has signed a contract with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League. Adams played in four games for the Oilers this past season, picking up 160 yards on 14 receptions and tallying six touchdowns.
The standout receiver played NCAA football for two seasons at Syracuse University (2022-23), recording seven receptions for 186 yards and two touchdowns in 20 career games for the Orange. The Florida native also led the team with 16 punt returns for 119 yards (7.4 avg.) and returned six kickoffs for 93 yards (15.5 avg.) in his senior year. Prior to joining Syracuse, Adams spent two seasons at Florida Atlantic University (2021-20), where he appeared in 10 games for the Owls.
Adams attended the Buffalo Bills rookie minicamp earlier this year.
BIG SKY-SUMMIT CHALLENGE
The second annual Big Sky-Summit Challenge will take place during the first full week of December, pitting Big Sky Conference men’s and women’s basketball teams, against teams from the Summit League.
A year ago, the Summit League hoisted the inaugural trophy after both conferences finished with 21.5 points. The Summit League earned the tiebreaker after its men’s and women’s programs outscored the Big Sky’s 2,654 to 2,552 over the course of 36 games. The hardware has been proudly displayed at the Summit League offices in Sioux Falls since January.
The matchups for the series are determined using data from past seasons, including NET rankings and regular-season conference finishes, along with consideration for the prior season matchups.
The Eastern Washington men, the Northern Colorado men, the St. Thomas men, the Weber State men, the Eastern Washington women, the Kansas City women, the Montana women, the Oral Roberts women, the South Dakota State women, and the St. Thomas women were the 10 programs to win both of their games during the first year of the challenge.
The ORU Golden Eagles men’s team will host Northern Arizona on Dec. 4 and will play at Idaho State on Dec. 7. The ORU women will be at Northern Arizona on Dec. 4 and will be at home to face Montana State on Dec. 7.
TULSA BEACON RADIO
Tune in to “Tulsa Beacon Weekend” radio show every week, featuring interviews with local and national level guests, talking about everything from politics to family issues. This week my guests will be Gwen Freeman from the Tulsa County Election Board, and business entrepreneur and writer, Mayceo Vaughn. The show airs on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. CST on 970am KCFO.