Hamilton, who turned 21 in May, will be in his first pro season. The 6-foot-2, 196- pounder has played the last year and a half for the Markham Waxers of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League, where he caught the eye of Oilers' scout Phil Hollinger.

"I have gotten great reports on Cody's skill and skating ability, and I'm sure he can develop into a solid defenseman for us," Hodge said. "It's a big plus for us to have had Phil watch him play so much."

Hamilton sees himself as a defenseman who takes care of business in his own end, but also has good offensive skills. He had other opportunities to sign his first pro contract.

"Everything I heard about Tulsa is that everything there is first class," Hamilton said. "It made my decision on where to go very easy."