The Tulsa Rampage are pleased to announce that Bixby Oklahoma native Nic Powers has advanced to the NCAA.  Powers, who has spent his entire hockey career in Tulsa, will travel to Massachusetts where he will play with the Westfield State Owls beginning with the fall semester. 

"Nic is, without question, the kind of kid who deserves oppotunities for the future based on his character alone," Coach Chad MacLeod says "when you combine the kind of kid he is with the performance he gives every time he's on the ice, there was no doubt he'd move on quickly."   Powers advancement comes after only one season with the Rampage, where he was the team's second leading point producer.  His ability to nab an average of over one tally per game secured him a spot on the leader's board among the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) as well.  Powers finished the season with 61 points in only 55 games gaining him recognition among the leagues top twenty five standout performers. 

Powers' talent for hockey was evident early on as he dominated the floor while playing inline roller hockey. With his interest in the sport peaked, he joined the Tulsa Youth Hockey Association, adding ice hockey to the mix.  Again he demonstrated a natural ability for the sport that landed him in the Tulsa Flames travel program.  After graduating from Bixby High School, Powers joined the Rampage and proved that he had more than just natural ability on his side.  "Nic is one of the hardest working people I have ever met," MacLeod says "his work ethic both on and off the ice is outstanding."  That work ethic combined with his previously mentioned character is something that has benefitted the Rampage during the current season and may do so in the future as well.  "When you have the opportunity to send a kid like Nicky up, its a huge deal," General Manager Julie Wilson says "not only do we get the chance to promote someone who definitely deserves it, he is also the kind of kid who adds to the reputation of our organization.  His character and work ethic will impress the NCAA and because of that, our job of moving other kids will get easier."

Movement of players is something that is obviously a focus for the organization as Power will join two Rampage alumni at Westfield.  Former defenseman David Ciminelli and former goaltender Ian Wilson will be his teammates next season.

The management and staff of the Tulsa Rampage are pleased to announce that forward Cole Motz has advanced to the NCAA where he will play with the Worcester State Lancers beginning with the 2008-2009 season. 

The Kremmling Colorado native took an interesting road in his journey up the hockey ranks.  A former goaltender, Motz was given an opportunity to play forward in a game where he had a strong enough performance that he was scouted to play as a forward at the Junior Level.  As a result, Motz hung up the goalie pads and played for the Oceanside Generals in Parksville, British Columbia prior to joining the Rampage this season.  While the Tulsa organization didn't utilize him in the goaltending capacity, they certainly gained from his ability out front.   "Motzy brings a presence to the ice, the bench, and the locker room that is absolutely huge for any organization," Coach MacLeod says "he has a work ethic and heart that are second to none."  While the coach counted on some players to generate personal point production, Motz was someone who brought a different benefit to the Rampage game.  Motz played a very physical game and had a desire to win that seemed to motivate the rest of the team in difficult circumstances.  "Motzy wasn't a big point guy for us," MacLeod adds "but he created this intensity and desire that made everyone want to put out a bigger effort. The whole team would battle when things were tough because Motz had a personality that lit a fire under everyone."

That personality is what led MacLeod to believe Worcester State was the place for Motz.  "When John [Worcester Coach John Guiney] told me he needed someone who had heart," MacLeod said "I knew Motzy was the right choice because there is no doubt that he was the heart and soul of our team this year."

The management and staff of the Tulsa Rampage are pleased to announce that Team Captain Nik Ellickson will play in the ACHA program at Denver University in the fall. The Centennial Colorado native joined the program after receiving a significant academic scholarship to the University. 

Ellickson's leadership skills were evident early in the season, quickly securing him the position as the team's captain.  From there he added to his strong reputation by continuing to demonstrate his on-ice ability as the Rampage's standout defenseman.  Ellickson maintained the team's lowest plus/minus rating for defensemen - a statistic that indicates he was not on the ice often when the team was scored against - along with nabbing 26 points in his 55 games played.  His forte on the ice was specifically demonstrated in special team situations, including the power play where he nabbed more than half of his tallies.  "Elly is an all around great person to have on your team," Coach Chad MacLeod says "he leads by example both on and off the ice, he works hard, he's coachable, he's respectful, he's all about integrity - I just can't say enough about him." 

Ellickson began playing hockey at the age of six and was quickly hooked on the excitement of being a forward in the sport.  What he deemed to be adversity - the requirement that he switch to defense at age thirteen - turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  He had a talent for the position that, combined with his size, proved to be an asset in his quest to advance in the sport.  A person who believes in a strong work ethic and discipline, Ellickson was a perfect fit for the Rampage - a program he refers to as a hard working and well disciplined club which was an attitude that won the heart of the team's management.  "You can't watch Elly in action - as a leader, as a player, as a human being - and not just fall in love with the kid" General Manager Julie Wilson says "there are people that you meet in life who you know have left a permanent impression on you and he's definitely one of those kids.

Ellickson, who had posted a 4.05 grade point average in high school and who excelled on both the SAT and ACT tests, intends to major in Business Management at Denver University. 

The Tulsa Rampage are pleased to announce that starting goaltender, Mike Davis, will advance to the NCAA in the fall.  Davis, who has been the team's standout performer throughout the season, will join the Bison Hockey program at Nichols College in Dudley Massachusetts.  "Mike has been the most consistent player on the team and has been solid for us all year long," Coach MacLeod says "so its fitting that he's the first of our players to solidify a spot at the NCAA level."

Davis was traded to the Rampage from a team in his home state of Michigan after the beginning of last season.  His work ethic and attitude quickly won the heart of the Rampage staff and contributed to his ongoing development into the WSHL's leading goaltender.  Although Davis has played more games than any other goalie in the league, he has maintained the highest save percentage among the WSHL goaltenders.  That 92.9% save rate combined with a goals against average of only 2.21 per game gained recognition from Nichols Head Coach Lou Izzi.  "Mike has developed into an excellent Junior A goaltender," Izzi notes "his goals against average and save percentage speak volumes about his ability." 

The Rampage coaches and staff don't hesitate to comment on Davis' excellent character and were excited to see that he was recognized by the NCAA coaching staff for those attributes as well.  "I couldn't have been any more impressed with Mike on his recent visit to our campus," Izzi said "He is an outstanding young man, leader, and student."  And that "student" part has gained him more than recognition.  Based on his high school GPA and test scores, Davis received a $13,000 annual scholarship to attend Nichols.

"I could not be prouder of Mikey," General Manager Julie Wilson says "if any kid deserves an opportunity along with a significant scholarship, its him.  He earns that every day on and off the ice through his performance, his work ethic, and his character."  So now the Rampage faces the bittersweet loss of their starting goaltender.  "I hate to lose him for next season," MacLeod says "but its a great feeling to be able to secure him a spot thats really going to benefit him in the future.  That kid deserves it."

The management and staff of the Tulsa Rampage are pleased to announce that Evan Mosey has been tendered by the Wenatchee Wild of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).  His agreement to accept the tender is the equivalent of signing a letter of intent to play for the Washington based team at the Tier II level next season.

Mosey, who joined the Rampage in late December, nabbed an impressive 32 points in his first 25 games at the Junior level which came as no surprise to Coach Chad MacLeod.  "Mose has a great vision for the ice, good skills, and he's physical too," MacLeod said "we knew we just needed to tweak a few things and he'd be able to move up quickly."  That proved to be true as the Chicago area native soaked up instruction from the coaches and completed his development in just a few months time.  His efforts were recognized by Wenatchee Wild Head Coach Paul Baxter as well.  "We noticed Evan's quickness, smooth hands, and ability to anticipate," Baxter said "not to mention his physical game and smart use of his energy while on the ice."  In addition, Baxter believes that opposing goaltenders will struggle with the quick release of Mosey's shot and his ability to shoot while he's still in motion.  MacLeod agrees.  "Mose is a great skater and he combines that speed with making plays-taking shots" he says.

Yet it's not just is on-ice ability that has impressed the Rampage coach.  "I'm proud of Mose and so glad to see him get this opportunity," MacLeod adds "he's not just a good player, he's a good kid and you love to see kids like him succeed."  General Manager Julie Wilson seconds that opinion.  "When you have a kid that works hard, keeps a great attitude, and is all around just a great kid, you really hope to see them move up," she says "we got that and more in Mose so we couldn't be happier for him."

Mosey will spend some additional time training in Tulsa prior to beginning with the NAHL team at the start of the 2008-2009 season.

The management and staff of the Tulsa Rampage are pleased to announce that forward Matt Cattivera will advance to the NCAA beginning with the 2008-2009 season.  The two year veteran of the Rampage will join the Owls program at Westfield State in Massachusetts in the fall. 

Cattivera began with the Rampage two season's ago where he quickly proved to be a force for the team.  His physical play, which caused him to be a standout performer in each game, combined with his ability to tally an average of just under a point per game won rave reviews from Head Coach Chad MacLeod.  "Catt is definitely my kind of player," MacLeod says "he gives 110% every time he's on the ice, he's a motivator on the bench and in the locker room, and he's always physical. I love watching that kid play."  Coaches from the NCAA also enjoyed watching Cattivera play as early as his first season with the Tulsa team which gained him an opportunity to advance at the end of that season as well.  He chose to decline the first year's offer which impressed Coach MacLeod.  "Catt chose not to move up the first year because he wanted to work on some things both on and off the ice that would make him more successful in the NCAA," MacLeod said "that would be a tough decision for anyone and for him to make it in order to better himself speaks volumes about his character and work ethic."

Westfield's Head Coach Jerry Keefe appreciated that attitude as well.  "I know that Matt Cattivera is the kind of player who will show up prepared and ready to get better everyday," he says "I am looking forward to having him as a student athlete here at Westfield State College.  While there is no question that he'll do well with the hockey team, MacLeod feels that he'll do equally as well academically.  "Catt is a kid who took Chinese just because he wanted to learn the language," he said "when he has an interest, he takes pride in educating himself in it and that will be a great asset for him in college."   

While the organization is proud of Cattivera for his advancement, it is bittersweet. "I am so proud of Catt and so happy that he's going to the NCAA," General Manager Julie Wilson says "he's a wonderful kid and he deserves it, but we're sure going to hate to see him go."