Former Sundog Mike Vernace Makes NHL Debut with Colorado
March 18, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - Recalled by the NHL's Colorado Avalanche on Monday from the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League, former Sundogs defenseman Mike Vernace made his NHL debut in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild Tuesday night.
The Toronto native played 19 shifts, logging 11:51 of even-strength ice time and finished plus-1 in the contest. He also gave two hits and blocked three shots.
Vernace has appeared in 65 games for the Monsters this season, tallying 17 points (3g/14a). He currently leads all Lake Erie d-men in games played and is tied for second in points. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound defenseman was the Monsters' top scoring blue-liner last season with 29 points (3g/26a) in 79 contests.
The 22-year-old appeared in 24 games with Arizona during its inaugural season in 2006-07 before being recalled to the AHL's Albany River Rats for the remainder of the season. During his stint with the Sundogs, Vernace recorded three goals, 11 assists and 20 penalty minutes (PIM) and was plus-1.
Joining defenseman David Schlemko, Vernace becomes the second former Sundogs player to make his NHL debut this season.
Vernace was acquired by the Avalanche from the San Jose Sharks on June 1, 2006 in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2007 Entry Draft.
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