ECHL: Tulsa Oilers Sign Cade McNelly

Junior Career

Cade McNelly began his junior career in the WHL during the 2017–18 season. Over five seasons with the Seattle Thunderbirds and Vancouver Giants, he appeared in 122 games, recording six goals and 11 assists for 17 points along with 317 penalty minutes and a -11 rating. Notably, in 2019–20, he led the league as the WHL’s Most Penalized Player with 110 penalty minutes in just 40 games. Afterward, McNelly finished his junior career in the BCHL with the Vernon Vipers during the 2021–22 season, where he added three goals and 63 penalty minutes in 19 games.

Following his time in Vernon, McNelly transitioned to the collegiate ranks. He joined the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in the ACAC, where his physical style carried over. In 10 games with SAIT, he piled up 70 penalty minutes.

Professional Career

After completing his collegiate career, McNelly made the jump to the professional ranks, signing with the Tulsa Oilers in the ECHL. In 31 games with the Oilers, he collected six assists, 76 penalty minutes, and a -3 rating.

From there, McNelly quickly established himself as a bigger defenseman who thrives in a physical role. He brings size to the blue line and is never afraid to drop the gloves or deliver a big hit. During his junior days, he built a reputation as a willing fighter, and he has already begun carving out a similar identity as an enforcer in the ECHL. Defensively, McNelly uses his frame to screen opponents and make it difficult for them to generate clean looks on goal. While his offensive numbers remain limited, he continues to develop and could add more production as his game evolves.