Central Hockey League Founder Ray Miron Dies At Age 92

The sport of hockey and the Tulsa Oilers organization lost one of its biggest advocates and closest friends on Thursday night with the passing of Ray Miron at the age of 92.

Miron, who died at his home in Tulsa, played an integral role in bringing hockey back to northeast Oklahoma.  The Cornwall, Ontario native founded the Central Hockey League in 1992 with member clubs in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Fort Worth, Memphis, and Wichita.  Miron served as CHL President until 1997 and the trophy awarded to the CHL’s annual champion was named in his honor as the “Ray Miron President’s Cup.” 

From 1964 to 1976, Miron served as an executive in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ organization and managed the Leafs’ affiliations with the Tulsa Oilers and the Oklahoma City Blazers.  Miron was the Head Coach of the Oilers during the 1973-74 season and went on to spend the next two seasons as the bench boss in Oklahoma City.  After a stint as General Manager of the Colorado Rockies of the NHL, Miron was named the Commissioner of the six-team Atlantic Coast Hockey League in 1983. 

For his many contributions to the game, Miron was honored by the NHL in 2004 with the prestigious Lester Patrick Trophy.  The trophy is presented annually to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to hockey in the United States.

The front office staff members of the Tulsa Oilers would like to extend their thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the Miron family and would like to express their thanks and gratitude for Ray’s support, encouragement, and friendship over the years.