Oilers Welcome Back Alec Butcher

A change of scenery can often give a player a new lease on life.

Alec Butcher’s 2023-24 season got off to a sluggish start, scoring just one goal and two assists through his first 11 games with the Reading Royals.

Butcher picked up some steam after that, totaling seven points (4-3-7) through 15 games before the Royals traded the Anchorage, Alaska native to the Tulsa Oilers for forward Tag Bertuzzi.

It didn’t take long for the 30-year-old center to make an impact. Butcher scored just 59 seconds into his first game with the Oilers, a 5-4 overtime loss to the Wichita Thunder. He followed that up with two goals in a victory over Utah, then contributed a helper in a loss to the Grizzlies.

In 56 games with the Maroon and Navy, the veteran center recorded 34 points (18-16-34). This week, the Oilers announced Butcher has re-signed for 2024-25.

“Butch is not a flashy player,” Oilers head coach Rob Murray said. “but he has a great hockey IQ. He can be used in all situations, and we do. He was a great addition to last year’s squad and as a veteran, he brings the calm to the room. We are glad to have him back!”

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound forward began his professional career with the Wheeling Nailers in 2018-19, posting 19 points (12-7-19) in 36 games. In 301 ECHL games, Butcher claims 195 points (93-102-195) between Wheeling, Rapid City, Reading and Tulsa.

Related: Oilers Bring Back Thurston and Comeau

Prior to turning pro, Butcher played NCAA hockey at both Sacred Heart and the University of Alaska Anchorage. In 96 collegiate games, he compiled 52 points (16-36-52), including 13 points (8-5-13) in 16 games with the Seawolves during his senior campaign.

A right-handed center, Butcher excelled in the NAHL, earning Most Valuable Player, Forward of the Year and First All-Star Team honors after leading the NAHL in assists (42) and points (66) in the 2013-14 season.

In 101 games with his home-state Kenai River Brown Bears, Butcher finished his junior hockey career tallying 96 points (34-62-96).

Butcher joins Duggie Lagrone, Tyler Poulsen, Austin Albrecht, Serron Noel, Josh Nelson, Dallas Comeau, Trevor Thurston, Carter Popoff and Solag Bakich as announced signings for the 2024-25 season.

Oilers’ on-ice training camp begins on Monday, Oct. 7 at the WeStreet Ice Center.