Born in Tilsonburg, Ontario, Oatman spent a year with the Minneapolis Rockets of the USAHA before signing with the PCHA's Victoria Cougars. In 1925-26, he scored eight goals for the Cougars while providing a physical presence.

On May 15, 1926 Oatman's rights were transferred to the Detroit Cougars franchise after the expansion NHL club purchased the Victoria roster. After scoring three goals in 14 games for Detroit he was traded to the Montreal Maroons for cash. Oatman thrived with his new team scoring eight times in 25 games and winning battles along the boards and in the corners. The next year he was a key member of the Maroons when they narrowly lost the Stanley Cup finals to the New York Rangers in five games.

Oatman began the 1928-29 season in Montreal but was soon traded to the New York Rangers for cash. He spent the 1929-30 season with the IAHL's Hamilton Tigers and Niagara Falls Cataracts before retiring.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame