Oilers ink veteran defenseman Kaunisto

TULSA, Okla. – The Tulsa Oilers, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s St. Louis Blues, announced the signing of experienced defenseman Steven Kaunisto for the 2017-18 season.

Kaunisto, 30, joins the Oilers after serving as alternate captain for the Elmira Jackals in 2016-17, where he tallied 16 points (5g-11a) in 62 games. The Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. native has also played for Reading, Rapid City, Florida, Kalamazoo and Brampton in the ECHL, and suited up for the Wichita Thunder, Allen Americans, Missouri Mavericks, Arizona Sundogs and Denver Cutthroats in the former Central Hockey League from 2010-14.

In 377 career ECHL and CHL games, Kaunisto has 145 points (32g-113a). He enjoyed his best ECHL season in 2015-16 when he compiled 26 points (6g-20a) split between Kalamazoo and Brampton.

Prior to turning pro, Kaunisto spent four seasons at Lake Superior State University, where he finished with 59 points (14g-45a) in 154 games for the Lakers from 2006-10.