Brahmas sign offensive defenseman Brant Somerville
June 27, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Fort Worth Brahmas News Release
Fort Worth â The roster for the 2002-2003 Ft. Worth Brahmas grew by one on Thursday morning with the signing of defenseman Brant Somerville to a contract.
Somerville comes to the Brahmas after four standout seasons at the University of Findlay (NCAA-College Hockey Association) in Findlay, Ohio. Despite being a defenseman, Somerville's contributions at Findlay were primarily in the scoring department. In 114 career games played at Findlay, Somerville scored 53 goals and assisted on 90 others en route to setting the school record for career points at 143. He also holds the school records for games played and assists, and he is second all time in goals scored.
In his recently completed 2001-2002 season, Somerville had 7 goals and 22 assists to finish as the Oilers second leading scorer. For his efforts, Somerville was named to the All CHA first team all star squad. In addition to his All CHA honor, Somerville was recognized as a NCAA Honorable Mention All American. It was the third time in his career that he had earned the All CHA honor and the second time he was named as a NCAA Honorable Mention All American.
Somerville, 5'10", 185, enjoyed his best year at Findlay in 1998-1999 when he led the team in goals (30), assists (37), and points (67). Included in those totals are a school record 18 game point scoring streak and a school record 11 points in one game (5G/6A @ Benedictine on February 13, 1999).
Prior to his collegiate career, Somerville played two year of Junior "A" hockey in the Ontario Hockey Association. In 1997-98, he played in 41 games for the Wexford (Ont.) Raiders, scoring 18 goals and assisting on 45 others. In 1998-1999, he totaled 24 goals and 43 assists in 45 games played for the North York Rangers.
As Somerville was heavily recruited by several CHL and ECHL teams, Brahmas head coach Todd Lalonde feels very fortunate to land the high scoring blueliner.
"Brant adds a very offensive dimension to our blueline. He skates so well and has such good offensive instincts that he is almost like having another forward out there. He'll be another valuable asset to our team and I'm excited to have him coming to Ft. Worth," stated Lalonde.
Somerville, a native of Scarborough, Ontario, is looking forward to beginning his pro career in Ft. Worth.
"This is exciting for me," he said, "I've known Todd Lalonde since my days in junior and I know he's a good coach. I think I'll be able to fit in to his style of play and with the other players on the team. From what I've heard Ft. Worth is a great city and the Brahmas are a tremendous organization. I'm ready to come down and get started.
The signing of Somerville gives the Brahmas three players under contract for the upcoming 2002-2003 season. Two players from last year's team, defenseman Adam Davis and left wing Chad Woollard, have already inked deals for next season. Lalonde said on Thursday that he expects to have at least four more players signed by early next week.
The Brahmas will begin their sixth season, and their second in the CHL, in mid October of 2002. Season ticket and advertising packages remain on sale now. For more information, please contact the Brahmas office at (817) 336-4423.
Central Hockey League Stories from June 27, 2002
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- Brahmas sign offensive defenseman Brant Somerville - Fort Worth Brahmas
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