Sports stats



Helmer Inks Two-Year Deal with the Barons

March 5, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Oklahoma City Barons News Release


Oklahoma City - The Oklahoma City Barons have signed defenseman Bryan Helmer to a contract for the remainder of the 2010-11 season and the 2011-12 season, Barons general manager Bill Scott announced today.

Helmer, a 6-1, 210-pounder from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, he has played in 1,202 professional games, scoring 576 points (134-439-576). That includes 146 games at the National Hockey League level with the Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks and as recently as the 08-09 season with the Washington Capitals.

In his 18th season as a professional, he has enjoyed quite a run since playing his first game in Oklahoma City January 7. He became the AHL's top scoring defenseman of all time on January 13, was named AHL Player of the Week on January 17 and he became just the seventh player top play in 1,000 AHL games on February 18.

Helmer has played the majority of his career at the American Hockey League level. In 1,002 AHL games, Helmer has recorded 527 points (124-403-527). His 527 points and 403 assists stands as the most by a defenseman in AHL history. The three-time Calder Cup champion has played in an AHL record 138 Calder Cup playoff games and has been named to an AHL All Star Team on three occasions.

"We are very excited to have Bryan under contract through next season. He has brought our team a wealth of experience and leadership since he arrived to Oklahoma City in January. He is a true professional both on and off the ice and exemplifies everything we want in a player as we continue to grow our footprint in the community. As a former NHLer and captain of back-to-back AHL championship teams he will help to develop our younger players and help to give us the experience we need to make our push for the playoffs."

Oklahoma City continues a crucial stretch of home games tonight at the Cox Convention Center. Faceoff is 7:05 p.m. against the Abbotsford Heat. The game can be heard on the Barons flagship station, 96.1 KXY.

NOTE: Defenseman Johan Motin has been re-assigned to the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL by the Edmonton Oilers. Motin, a 6-2, 202-pounder from Karlskoga, Sweden has four points (1-3-4) in 34 games with the Barons this season, but has missed the last 19 games.

• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...

American Hockey League Stories from March 5, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Oklahoma City Barons Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central