American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced today the approval for the relocation of the AHL franchise owned by the Edmonton Oilers from Edmonton, Alta., to Oklahoma City, Okla., to begin play there in the fall of 2010.

The Oklahoma City club will hit the ice for the 2010-11 season as the Oilers’ top development team and will play their home games at the newly renovated Cox Convention Center. Oklahoma City will become the home of the Oilers’ primary affiliate, the proving ground for the franchise’s top draft choices and prospects.

"We are thrilled with today’s announcement," said Kevin Lowe, Edmonton Oilers President of Hockey Operations. "The Oilers have felt for some time now that Oklahoma City is the right fit for our American Hockey League franchise. There is a rich hockey history and tradition in Oklahoma City and we anticipate this partnership to be very successful."

From February 9-20, hockey fans be a part of the process in naming the American Hockey League franchise. They're asking fans to sumbit as many names as they want, as long as they're tasteful.  If you would like a chance to be a part of history go to: Name the Team Contest

The move will establish the AHL franchise in the Cox Convention Center and brings hockey back to the state capital city. The last Central Hockey League team was the Blazers that folded in July of 2009.

Renovations such as a state-of-the-art scoreboard and sound system will complement other improvements including terrace suites, exclusive lounge areas and new locker room and workout areas at the downtown arena.

In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 84 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and more than 6.5 million fans per season have attended AHL games across North America since 2001.