Defenseman Chris Mann re-signs with the Texas Brahmas

Blue Line "enforcer" back for 2008-09 campaign

The Texas Brahmas have announce that Chris Mann has re-signed with the team. Mann, 29, was a pillar of the Brahmas D Corps last season as he helped the team advance to the Northern Conference Finals last season, his first year in the CHL. Mann played in 60 regular season games and registered four assists. He also played in nine post-season contests.

Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong is happy to have Mann back with the squad this season.

"Chris did some great things for us last season. This season we wanted to be sure to solidify the blueline, so it’s great to keep a stable defenseman familiar with our system," said Wildfong.

The six-foot, 215-pound native of Ottawa, Ontario played four seasons of NCAA hockey at Elmira College in New York. Mann tallied 58 points (13 G, 45 A) and 209 penalty minutes over 96 games played with the Soaring Eagles. A three-year captain, Mann anchored the best power play in the ECAC Division III West Conference in 2004-05 as Elmira finished with a 21.5% conversion rate for the season.

After graduating, Mann signed with the Elmira Jackals (UHL) but suffered a broken jaw in just his third game with the club that prematurely ended his season. Mann played for one game with the Rochester Americans (AHL) before returning to the Jackals. During the next two seasons with Elmira, Mann played 137 games and netted 21 points (4 G, 17 A) and 484 penalty minutes.

Known for his aggressive style of play, Mann posted 168 penalty minutes last season, ranking him second among the Brahmas' roster (Robin Big Snake was 1st with 208 minutes in just 25 games).

Mann was suspended for four games for his actions against the Oklahoma City Blazers on January 5th. Mann drew a double minor for roughing after he broke the jaw of Blazers' forward Graham Dearle. Mann also squared off with Erick Lizon who landed a few punches before Mann took him down, earning a fighting penalty.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith