Texas Brahmas sign Forward Andrew Leach

Former Trenton Devils player joins the 2008-09 roster

The Texas Brahmas announced Andrew Leach as their fourth player signing for the upcoming season.

Leach comes from a great hockey family. His father, defenseman Chris Leach played two seasons at St. Lawrence University. He went on to play for two seasons with the Greensboro Generals in the Southern Hockey League. His brother, defenseman Jay Leach played four seasons at Providence College and has played for the past seven seasons with teams in the NHL, ECHL and AHL, most recently with the Portland Pirates. His Uncle, forward Steve Leach played two seasons at the University of New Hampshire and went on to play 14 seasons in the NHL. Andrew has been on the ice since he was two years old.

Last season, the 26-year-old from Altamont, New York played 57 games with the Trenton Devils (ECHL) and scored 21 points (8 Goals, 13 Assists) with 80 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-1, 205 pound winger played for the Kalamazoo Wings and Elmira Jackals (IHL) during the 2006-07 season. He played 61 games and contributed 19 points (7 Goals, 12 Assists) with 56 penalty minutes.

Leach played for the University of New Hampshire Wildcats (NCAA Division I), from 2002-2006. He played 93 games with 16 points (6 Goals, 10 Assists). While with the Wildcats, Leach reached the NCAA tournament each season, and made it as far as the national championship game his freshman year. He was the assistant team captain in his senior year.

Prior to that, he played 89 games in the United States Hockey League (USHL-Juniors) with the Des Moines Buccaneers where he served as team captain. Leach had 18 points (6 Goals, 12 Assists) and 115 penalty minutes during his two seasons there.

Leach has good size and shows a lot of toughness. Although he has a laid back demeanor off the ice, he is not afraid to drop his gloves. He is known to be a hard worker with strong leadership capabilities. His "gritty" style of play attracted the attention of the Brahmas.

"Every team needs a grinder, and while we were recruiting, Leach seemed to fit that role. His size and skill will definitely be valuable assets to the team," said Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong.

Andrew and his brother Jay run a summer hockey camp, The Leach Bros. Hockey Camp at the Dover Ice Arena in Dover, New Hampshire.

When not on the ice, Andrew enjoys weightlifting, golf and wakeboarding. He spends the summer in New Hampshire on Lake Winnepesaukee where his family has a house.

Photo Credit: Trenton Devils