Brahmas Sign Veteran Mike Vellinga
August 22, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Fort Worth Brahmas News Release
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas (August 22) - The Texas Brahmas of the Central Hockey League (CHL), solidified their backline for the 2007-2008 season with the signing of veteran defenseman, Mike Vellinga.
Vellinga, a National Hockey League (NHL) 1996 Draft Pick by the Chicago Blackhawks (7th round, 184th pick), comes to the Brahmas with nine seasons of professional hockey experience.
Last season the Chatham, Ontario native played in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the Columbia Inferno. Vellinga has played eight seasons in the ECHL, posting 156 points (27 goals, 129 assists) and 779 penalty minutes in 513 games.
Vellinga is no stranger to the CHL, as he played for the Laredo Bucks during the 2003-04 campaign. After recording his personal best season in professional hockey (5 goals, 29 assists, 34 points), he and the Bucks became the CHL champions.
The 6-foot-2, 212 pound defenseman has also spent time in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Saint John Flames, Hamilton Bulldogs and San Antonio Rampage. Vellinga saw action with the Orlando Solar Bears of the now defunct International Hockey League (IHL) in the 1998-99 season.
Texas Brahmas Assistant Coach, Forbes MacPherson recognizes Vellinga's style as a valuable asset to the team.
"As a veteran, Mike will have an important role on our team. The fact that he has won championships, can play in many situations and has a wealth of experience; makes him a very exciting addition to the Brahmas," said MacPherson.
For more information, please contact Meagan McClurkan at (817) 336-4423 or (817) 584-1822.
Mike Vellinga Defense Born 8-19-1978 - Chatham, ONT Height 6.2--Weight 212--Shoots R
--- Regular Season --- ---- Playoffs ----
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
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1995-96 Guelph Storm OHL 57 3 8 11 32 16 2 6 8 6
1996-97 Guelph Storm OHL 66 6 30 36 73 18 1 9 10 34
1997-98 Guelph Storm OHL 63 6 22 28 101 12 1 8 9 28
1998-99 Saint John Flames AHL 15 0 1 1 6 -- -- -- -- --
1998-99 Johnstown Chiefs ECHL 45 1 14 15 22 - - -- -- -- --
1998-99 Orlando Solar Bears IHL 1 0 0 0 4 -- -- -- -- --
1999-00 Johnstown Chiefs ECHL 69 2 17 19 144 7 0 1 1 18
1999-00 Saint John Flames AHL 2 0 0 0 0 - - -- -- -- --
2000-01 Johnstown Chiefs ECHL 66 5 25 30 85 4 0 2 2 0
2000-01 Saint John Flames AHL 1 0 0 0 0 - - -- -- -- --
2001-02 Dayton Bombers ECHL 68 7 15 22 142 14 1 3 4 28
2002-03 Dayton Bombers ECHL 57 3 20 23 140 - - -- -- -- --
2002-03 Hamilton Bulldogs AHL 2 0 0 0 0 - - -- -- -- --
2002-03 San Antonio Rampage AHL 3 0 1 1 0 - - -- -- -- --
2003-04 Laredo Bucks CHL 64 5 29 34 100 15 0 2 2 27
2004-05 Long Beach Ice Dogs ECHL 72 4 11 15 73 7 0 2 2 10
2005-06 Long Beach Ice Dogs ECHL 64 3 14 17 69 7 1 2 3 8
2006-07 Columbia Inferno ECHL 72 2 13 15 104 - - -- -- -- --
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