Max Itagaki arrived in Tulsa as one of the smallest players on the roster and left opening night as its leading scorer. The 24-year-old rookie forward scored the first goal of the Tulsa Oilers’ 75th season just 2:10 into his professional debut, then added a second goal in a 5-4 win over the Allen Americans on Oct. 17, 2026. Below, this profile covers who Max Itagaki is, the college career that got him here and what kind of player Oilers fans should expect.
Quick facts: Itagaki is a 5-foot-6, 154-pound forward from Glenview, Illinois. He played two NCAA seasons at Army West Point, where he was named Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Year in 2023, and two more at Ferris State. He finished his college career with 85 points (18 goals, 67 assists) in 125 games, and the Oilers signed him on Aug. 20, 2026, according to the team’s announcement.
Max Itagaki at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Forward |
| Age at signing | 24 |
| Hometown | Glenview, Illinois |
| Listed size | 5-foot-6, 154 pounds (Tulsa Oilers) |
| Junior hockey | Janesville Jets (NAHL); Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) |
| College | Army West Point (2022-23, 2023-24); Ferris State (2024-25, 2025-26) |
| NCAA career | 125 games, 18 goals, 67 assists, 85 points |
| Top honor | Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Year, 2022-23 |
| Signed by Tulsa | Aug. 20, 2026 |
The Road to College Hockey
Like many American players, Itagaki took the junior hockey route before college. According to his Army West Point roster biography, he spent two seasons with the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League. After that, he moved to British Columbia, where he recorded 61 points in 54 games for the Nanaimo Clippers of the BCHL in 2021-22.
Generally, junior hockey is where many smaller forwards prove they can handle the physical side of the game. In that sense, a point-per-game season in a league known for producing NCAA players was a strong signal that his skill would translate.
A Record-Setting Freshman Year at Army
Notably, Itagaki’s first college season was the best of his career. At Army West Point in 2022-23, he scored four goals and added 29 assists for 33 points. Those 29 assists led Atlantic Hockey and set the conference record for assists by a freshman in a single season, according to Army Athletics.
In addition, he collected two Rookie of the Month awards and three Rookie of the Week honors during the season. In March 2023, the league named him its Rookie of the Year, as reported by the West Point Association of Graduates.
Then his sophomore season confirmed that the first year was not a fluke. He posted 25 points (six goals, 19 assists) in 2023-24, finished second on the team in scoring and led Army in assists for a second straight year.
Two Seasons at Ferris State
After two years at West Point, Itagaki finished his college career at Ferris State in Big Rapids, Michigan. Over those final two seasons, however, he produced 27 points (eight goals, 19 assists) in 54 games, based on the figures in the Oilers’ signing announcement.
His scoring rate was lower at Ferris State than at Army. That is worth noting honestly, although it is common for a player’s numbers to shift with a new system and a different role. Interestingly, fellow Oilers newcomer John Lundy also ended his college career at Ferris State, so the two forwards arrived in Tulsa with a shared program in common. Our scouting report on Lundy and Nick Nardella covers the other late signings.
Season-by-Season Snapshot
| Season | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) | – | – | 61 in 54 GP |
| 2022-23 | Army West Point | 4 | 29 | 33 |
| 2023-24 | Army West Point | 6 | 19 | 25 |
| 2024-25 and 2025-26 | Ferris State (combined) | 8 | 19 | 27 in 54 GP |
| NCAA total | 18 | 67 | 85 in 125 GP |
Sources: Army West Point Athletics and the Tulsa Oilers. A goal-and-assist split for the Nanaimo season was not listed in those sources.
What Kind of Player Is Max Itagaki?
First of all, the numbers tell a clear story. Itagaki has been a playmaker first: 67 of his 85 college points were assists. As a result, players with that profile tend to create chances by carrying the puck through the neutral zone, finding teammates in motion and running a power play from the half wall.
When the Oilers announced the signing, head coach Rob Murray described Itagaki as a small but dynamic player who is not afraid of contact. That matters, especially at his size. In the ECHL, smaller forwards who avoid the corners usually struggle, while those who compete for loose pucks can carve out a long career. Our profile of Rob Murray explains the style of hockey he wants his teams to play.
Strengths to watch
- Vision and passing. After all, leading his conference in assists as a freshman is not an accident.
- Quickness. Similarly, smaller forwards often win races to loose pucks and create space with their first few strides.
- Confidence. Moreover, scoring twice in his first pro game suggests he will not be overwhelmed by the step up.
Questions for his rookie season
- Durability. The ECHL schedule packs 72 games into about six months, including weekend three-in-threes.
- Defensive responsibility. In general, young forwards earn more ice time when coaches trust them in their own zone.
- Finishing. So far, he has been more passer than shooter. If he keeps scoring, defenders will have to respect his shot, which opens up his passing even more.
An Opening Night to Remember
Clearly, Itagaki did not need long to make an impression. In his professional debut on Oct. 17, 2026, he scored 2:10 into the first period for Tulsa’s first goal of the season. Later, at 10:41 of the second period, his second goal put the Oilers back in front 4-3. Zachary Murray eventually scored the winner in the third period, as detailed in our opening night recap.
Of course, one game does not make a season. Still, it was the kind of start that earns a rookie more ice time and a longer look in key situations.
Where Max Itagaki Fits on the 2026-27 Oilers
Tulsa rebuilt much of its forward group over the summer, as our guide to the 2026-27 roster explains. For a rookie, therefore, that turnover is an opportunity. Itagaki’s best path to a regular top-six role is simple: keep producing at even strength and give the coaches a reliable option on the power play.
It is also worth remembering, though, how the ECHL works. Strong rookies can attract attention from higher levels, and Tulsa’s affiliation with the Anaheim Ducks and San Diego Gulls means players can move up during a season. Our explainer on what the ECHL is and how Tulsa fits in covers how those call-ups work.
The Bottom Line on Max Itagaki
Itagaki brings a proven playmaking record, a major college award and an encouraging pro debut. The biggest unknowns are how his game holds up over a long season and whether his scoring touch from opening night continues. Either way, Max Itagaki is one of the most interesting rookies to follow in Tulsa this year. We will update this profile as the season provides a larger sample.
Published Oct. 23, 2026. College statistics and awards come from Army West Point Athletics, the West Point Association of Graduates and the Tulsa Oilers. Opening-night details come from the Oilers’ official game recap.
