TULSA, Okla. —The Tulsa Oilers, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Anaheim Ducks and the American Hockey League’s San Diego Gulls, announced the signing of forward Dante Zapata to a contract and for the 2023-24 season.
Zapata, 24, returns to Tulsa after registering three points (1g-2a) in 12 games for the Oilers last season upon the completion of his collegiate career. Prior to joining the Oilers, Zapata played at Utica University, compiling 117 points (44g-73a) and a +21 rating in 96 games with the Pioneers. He won three United Collegiate Hockey Conference titles with Utica, earning three All-Tournament Team selections, two Tournament MVP berths, two All-Conference Team selections and Player of the Year honors while also serving as team captain from 2021-23.
A native of Huntington, California, Zapata played his junior hockey in the North American Hockey League, finishing his career with 74 points (23g-51a) in 154 games with the Austin Bruins.