Vandermeer No Mere Addition for Dogs

Published on August 17, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Richmond RiverDogs News Release


Richmond, VA - The Richmond RiverDogs, a proud member of the United Hockey League, today brought a local hockey favorite back to the city by adding defenseman Dan Vandermeer.

Vandermeer began his professional career during the 1998-1999 season with the now-defunct Richmond Renegades of the East Coast Hockey League. The blue-liner then spent the next four seasons calling Richmond home, totaling 26 goals and 103 points in a Renegades uniform. Vandermeer certainly did not shy away from getting in the middle of a dispute, either, earning himself 730 penalty minutes during his five-year stint.

"In addition to Dan's obvious abilities, we're hoping that this signing brings a smile to our fans' faces," said General Manager and Head Coach Robbie S. Nichols. "The Vandermeer name is a popular one in the Richmond community. He and his brothers are like the Hansons from Slap Shot to people out here. But with actual talent."

The 27-year-old from Caroline, Alberta, is one of six puck-handling brothers ranging in age from 29 down to 19. Along with Dan, Peter, the oldest of the bunch, spent parts of two seasons with the Renegades. Meanwhile, brother Joe, one year younger than Peter and a year older than Dan, dawned a ‘Gades jersey for most of four seasons. Only Jim, 25, has not suited up in Richmond, and that could be due in part to the fact that the defenseman has spent most of his career in the National Hockey League with Philadelphia and Chicago. Peter will follow suit this season, having already inked a contract with the Montreal Canadiens. Bill, 21, and Ted, 19, have yet to turn pro but the Dogs are in talks with the elder winger after he scored 75 points on 23 goals in 60 games last season with the Nanaimo Clippers of the BCHL.

Dan brings championship experience with him back to Richmond, winning a coveted ring with the Idaho Steelheads during the 2003-2004 season. Last year, he captained the team and produced perhaps his best personal season, establishing new career-highs with 35 assists and 42 points, along with a plus-33 plus-minus rating, among the best in the ECHL.

The 2001-2002 all-star joins former Renegades teammates David Brosseau and Brian Goudie with the RiverDogs. The three shared the ice during the 2002-2003 season, leading the team to a 35-31-6 finish.

The Dogs now have nine players under contract for the 2005-2005 season, with at least a pair of signings on the way for next week, if not sooner.

Richmond opens its pre-season on October 14th with back-to-back games against new rival Roanoke. The battles, taking place in the 700-seat Skate Nation on the 14th and 15th, are being tabbed as the "Battle on Broad Street!" The regular season commences on Friday, October 21st, as the RiverDogs host the Adirondack Frostbite at the Richmond Coliseum. Individual game tickets for all Richmond home games will be available for purchase beginning in early-October. We will keep you updated with all developments regarding ticket sales as we draw closer to the season. Season tickets, FlexPaks, birthday parties and group packages are available through the RiverDogs' office. For more information on tickets or upcoming games, please call our office at 804-225-PUCK (7825).

PLEASE NOTE: Our website is currently under construction as plans for a new site are in development. The new address will be www.riverdogsuhl.com. We hope to have this functional within the next few weeks and sincerely appreciate your patience throughout this process.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from August 17, 2005


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