Veteran forward

Peter Vandermeer joins Victoria as captain for 2010-11.



For Immediate Release

Thursday, July 22, 2010



Victoria, BC – The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced today that they have signed forward/defenseman Peter Vandermeer and have named him the team captain for the 2010-11 season.

The 34-year old Vandermeer joins the Salmon Kings as a veteran of 611 American Hockey League (AHL) games totaling 130 points (60g-70a) and 2772 minutes in penalties over 13 seasons with nine teams. Most recently Vandermeer spent the previous two seasons with the Calgary Flames’ AHL affiliate. With the Abbotsford Heat in 2009-10 he notched four points (2g-2a) and 91 penalty minutes over 20 games played.

“There are very few opportunities in sports to add a person of the quality and character of Pete Vandermeer,” General Manager and Head Coach Mark Morrison said. “He is respected throughout the hockey world as a leader.”

The Red Deer, AB native has also competed in 139 games in the ECHL with four clubs over his 14-year professional career scoring 43 goals and 55 assists for 98 points with 916 minutes in penalties. Last season Vandermeer dressed in 11 games with the Utah Grizzlies tallying six assists and 19 minutes in penalties. He also competed in all nine of Utah’s 2010 Kelly Cup Playoff games accumulating one goal and 49 penalty minutes.

Vandermeer will wear the captain’s “C” for the upcoming 2010-11 season, making him the sixth captain in club history following Brad Dexter (2004-05), Ryan Wade (2005-06), Kiel McLeod (2006-2008), Jordan Krestanovich (2008) and Wes Goldie (2008-10).

“My family and I are very excited to join the Salmon Kings’ organization and the Victoria community,” Vandermeer said. “I am looking forward to help lead this team on-and-off the ice to continue its evolution towards a Kelly Cup Championship.

“I endeavor to be a positive and professional example to my teammates as well as a strong presence in our community. I would like to thank Mr. Dakers, Coach Morrison, Jeff Harris and the rest of the organization for the opportunity to join such a solid team that is committed to winning and strong community involvement.”

The 6-0, 210 lb. forward donned a National Hockey League (NHL) jersey during the 2007-08 season for two games with the Phoenix Coyotes. He recorded no points or penalty minutes in his two game debut. During his professional career, Vandermeer has been under contract to four different NHL teams (Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals).

During the 1998-99 season, Vandermeer played for the B.C. Iceman (Binghamton, NY) in the United Hockey League (UHL) where he recorded 36 points (15g-21a) and 390 penalty minutes in 62 contests.

For his professional career, Vandermeer has played in 814 games amassing 264 points (118g-146a) while serving 4,078 penalty minutes. He has also scored 15 points (8g-7a) and accrued 201 minutes in penalties over 76 professional playoff contests.

Vandermeer spent a four-year junior career entirely with the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League (WHL) between 1992-93 and 1995-96. In 180 career games in Red Deer he accumulated 41 goals and 65 assists for 106 points with 597 penalty minutes.

The veteran is the oldest brother of six who have played professional hockey, including brother Jim who has spent 374 games in the NHL. Peter and Jim also played together in the AHL on the 2001-02 Philadelphia Phantoms squad.

Vandermeer also boasts a resume of eight years experience as a Professional Hockey Players Association (PHPA) Player Representative, while being on the PHPA Executive Committee for the previous six years. He has played a part in the negotiations of the AHL’s previous three collective bargaining agreements.

The Salmon Kings open the 2010-11 season on Friday, October 15th in Idaho with a two-game set versus the defending National Conference champion Steelheads. Victoria returns home to open up their schedule at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre with a three-game set versus the Ontario Reign beginning Wednesday, October 27th. Season tickets for the Salmon Kings’ 2010-11 season are now on sale.  Call 250-220-7889 or visit www.selectyourtickets.com to purchase yours today!



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For further information contact:



Jeff Harris

Assistant General Manager

and Director of Media and Community Relations

Victoria Salmon Kings Hockey Club

250-220-2612

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

www.salmonkings.com