Teemu Hartikainen attempts a shot on Bulldogs netminder Drew MacIntyre in the Barons' first-ever post-season game at Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City (Photo by Steven Christy). RELATED Watch Video View Photo Gallery

The Oklahoma City Barons, American Hockey League affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers were recognized by the city council of Oklahoma City at their weekly meeting Tuesday morning.

The Barons opened their inaugural season in October at the renovated Cox Convention Center in front of a crowd of nearly 10,000.  In the team's first season, head coach Todd Nelson and his staff guided the Barons to 40 wins and a birth in the Calder Cup playoffs.

As the primary developmental affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, Oklahoma City is now the proving ground for the next era of great players who will skate for the Oilers.  During the 10-11 season, 12 players who started the season in Oklahoma City were called up to the big club.  Players like Linus Omark, Jeff Petry and Liam Reddox each played more than 30 games with Edmonton.

As the 10-11 season unfolded, the Barons continued to build a foundation with their business and community partners such as the Oklahoma City Youth Hockey Association and Special Olympics.  The coming seasons will allow the Barons to continue to build positive relationships with the citizens of Oklahoma City.

"We are pleased to be part of the renaissance of Oklahoma City," said Prodigal LLC owner Bob Funk Jr.  "With our first season under our belt, we will continue to improve upon the foundation we built.  Our commitment coupled with the commitment from the Edmonton Oilers, our city leaders, the management group of the Cox Convention Center and our fans will continue to add to the quality of life in Oklahoma City."

"We are extremely pleased to have the Oklahoma City Barons as our top affiliate," said Edmonton Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini.  "Their successful season on the ice and presence in the community is an important step to developing our young talent. We look forward to a continued successful partnership with Oklahoma City."

"The Oklahoma City Barons opened a new and exciting era of hockey this season with the highest level of play Oklahoma City has seen," said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. "As the primary development club for the Edmonton Oilers, the Barons provide an opportunity for the city's hockey fans to see future NHL stars. The Barons have been equally impressive off the ice, through community partnerships with organizations like the Oklahoma City Youth Hockey Association, Special Olympics and others. We're looking forward to next season and Barons hockey at the Cox Convention Center is an integral part of our efforts to create a vibrant downtown and offer great sports and entertainment options for our citizens."

Season tickets are available for the 10-11 season by calling 232-GOAL (4625) or by visiting the Barons website at okcbarons.com.

Author: Josh Evans | Oklahoma City Barons