Blazers add two defensemen

August 28, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release


Oklahoma City - The Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey League signed defensemen Tyler Harder and Jason Seerey to contracts, head coach Doug Sauter announced today.

Harder, a 6-2, 210-pounder from Steinbach, Manitoba was acquired from the Laredo Bucks late last season. With Oklahoma City, he played in 14 games, recording two points and serving 81 penalty minutes before a late-season injury sidelined him. In 36 games last season between Laredo and Oklahoma City, he scored three points (1-2-3) and served 150 penalty minutes. Prior to turning pro, Harder toiled at the junior level with the Dauphin Kings in Manitoba and the Brandon Wheat Kings and Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League. The 06-07 season was Harder's breakout season. He recorded 49 points (23-26-49) and served 343 penalty minutes in 53 games with Dauphin.

Seerey returns to Oklahoma City for his second season as a pro. Last season with Oklahoma City, the 6-0, 203-pounder from Nipawin, Saskatchewan recorded four points (1-3-4) and served 66 penalty minutes in 35 games. Seerey joined the Blazers as an amateur for the Blazers 06-07 playoff run, appearing in seven games. Prior to turning pro, he played at the university level in Canada, splitting time between the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and the University of Regina. Over five seasons and 161 games, Seerey recorded 52 points (13-39-52) and served 425 penalty minutes.

"Both of these players proved they could play at our level last season," said Sauter. "Harder suffered an injury late in the season, just as he was starting to get into a good rhythm with our club. He is a guy who can play the power play, shoot the puck hard and he is not afraid to use his size. Jason Seerey showed promise last season and I expect him to have a big camp. He understands his role on our team and I look forward to seeing what he has to offer."

The addition of Harder and Seerey brings the number of players signed for the 08-09 season to 17. He joins forwards D.J. Jelitto, Brian Passmore, Jason Murfitt, Simon Lambert, Bill Vandermeer, Ted Vandermeer, Bobby Reed, Brennen Francon, Mark Black and Quinn Amiel defensemen Tyler Fleck, Stacey Bauman, Justin Sawyer and Ryan Waldner and goaltender Andy Franck.

The Blazers 17th season of play commences October 17 at the Ford Center against the Tulsa Oilers. Season ticket packages are available now by calling the Blazers office at 235-PUCK.



Central Hockey League Stories from August 28, 2008


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