OKOTOKS, AB – The Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) are delighted to announce that 2001-born defenceman and team captain Tucker McRae (Calgary, AB) has committed to attend and play for Dartmouth College, beginning in the 2022-23 NCAA Division I hockey season.
Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, the Big Green compete in the ECAC Hockey conference under first year head coach Reid Cashman.
“We couldn’t be more proud of Tucker and happy for him and his family,” said Oilers head coach and general manager Tyler Deis. “For the last three years, Tucker has truly represented what it means to be an Okotoks Oiler through his dedication and strive to be better every day.”
“He’s extremely deserving of this opportunity, and as a staff we know he will bring that same leadership and drive to Dartmouth.”
McRae, 20, is the sixth-highest scoring defenceman in the AJHL this season, and third-highest scoring player on the Oilers, recording 32 points (6 goals, 26 assists) in 48 games so far this season, his third with the team.
Prior to that, he scored two assists in eight games in the shortened 2020-21 season, and 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 40 games in his rookie campaign in 2019-20. He was recruited to the Oilers from the Edge School in Calgary, where he recorded 40 points in 62 games over two seasons, and played in four games as an affiliate for the Oilers.
“With one of the youngest teams we’ve ever had, Tucker’s veteran presence has meant so much to this group,” Deis added. “We’re grateful to him and his family for what he’s done for our team, and we’re looking forward to seeing him contribute even more at the next level.”
McRae is the fifth player on the team’s current roster committed to an NCAA Division I school, joining Bowden Singleton (North Dakota), Rieger Lorenz (Denver), Conyr Hellyer (Arizona State) and Connor Gourley (Arizona State).