Texas Brahmas lure Grant Jacobsen back to North Richland Hills High-scoring center to return for the 2008-09 season
In a move that is sure to thrill Texas Brahmas fans, Head Coach Dan Wildfong and the Brahmas organization have managed to bring Grant Jacobsen back for the 2008-09 campaign.
"We're really excited to have Grant back," said Wildfong. "He was a huge part of our success last year...down low with the puck, there's no one better in this league. He's so big and strong. He killed a lot of penalties for us this year and logged a lot of ice time. Anytime you can get a guy that did that, we're pretty happy and excited."
Jacobsen, 25, was instrumental in the Brahmas' success last season, scoring 53 points (15 G, 38 A) with 59 penalty minutes served. In the playoffs, he skated in all 14 contests and delivered 8 points (4 G, 4 A).
At 6' 3" and 210 pounds, Jacobsen establishes a fast, physical presence on the ice considering himself more of a set-up guy than a prolific goalscorer and preferring to work down low, in the corners and looking to make plays for his teammates to finish. His strong performance in the face-off circle, his penalty-killing prowess and his solid work ethic make him a well-rounded and highly effective team player.
Jacobsen was the 7th pick (9th round, 270th pick) by the St. Louis Blues in the NHL Entry Draft in 2001.
The Souris, Manitoba native played for six seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the Regina Pats and the Kamloops Blazers. In 314 games he notched 213 points (77 G, 136 A) and 270 penalty minutes. As a member of the Blazers, Jacobsen served as team captain and led the team in scoring with 52 points (18 G, 34 A) in the 2003-04 season.
During the 2004-05 season, Jacobsen played for the University of Manitoba. As a Bison, Jacobsen played 31 games and tallied 29 points (14 G, 15 A) and 45 penalty minutes.
Jacobsen's next stop was in the ECHL where he split time with the Reading Royals and the Columbia Inferno for the 2005-06 season and then played with the Johnstown Chiefs, where he recorded 22 points (9 goals, 13 assists) in 67 games.
After his season with the Brahmas, Jacobsen had intended to re-sign, but an opportunity came up for him to play in England's Elite Hockey League for the Manchester Phoenix, joining fellow CHL players Josh Garbutt (Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees), Alex Dunn and Nathan Ward (Odessa Jackalopes), Kyle Bruce (Wichita Thunder) and David Beauregard (Tulsa Oilers).
He had played in seven games, scoring four points on two goals and two assists when the offer to return came in from the Brahmas. Jacobsen advised club officials on Saturday that he had been approached by his former club about a return to the Central Hockey League and that he was considering it.
"I was really enjoying it here, however, the offer from Texas came and I had to move quickly or lose the chance."
Phoenix Head Coach Tony Hand expressed his displeasure in a statement posted on the team website.
“I am very, very disappointed at this turn of events...the speed at which things have moved is bewildering and leaves us needing to find a replacement at very short notice or go into next weekend’s games lighter than we’d choose to be. The squad has made an excellent start and Grant had been very much an integral part of it."
England's loss is definitely a welcome gain for Brahmas fans whose delight can be summed up by a recent post on the Brahmas.net forum - "Coach I have to hand it to you...this is an excellent move....The FANS Thank You!!!!
Jacobsen is expected to return to Texas this week and will be ready to attend the teams' training camp, scheduled to begin on October 6th.
Photo Credit: Manchester Phoenix
7 comments:
Yet another CHL player who came over to the UK for a 4 week holiday. Happens year in year out with CHL players. He has demonstrated no respect for his team, no respect for the fans and no respect for his team mates. Couldn't even give the club a decent notice period to get a replacement. No respect for this guy.... you're welcome too him.
Yet another CHL player who came over to the UK for a 4 week holiday. Happens year in year out with CHL players. He has demonstrated no respect for his team, no respect for the fans and no respect for his team mates. Couldn't even give the club a decent notice period to get a replacement. No respect for this guy.... you're welcome to him!!
i wouldn't war to him too much.. he might get a better offer
Disgusting and unprofessional behavior. Didn't even play out his contract.
May he have a poor, injury-prone season with you!
Total disrespect shown to Manchester Phoenix and their fans by this player.
The word 'contract' obviously means nothing to him.
awww dont worry about what they say Grant. It happens every year... i know someone else who would come back to this side of the water in a heartbeat (if his parents hadnt already bought 4grand worth of tickets to go over there...) the hockey is far from what the workhorse type of hockey player is used to. Just remember hockey is a JOB....i dont know anyone who stays at the same job for any amount of time when they can get better money or like working somewhere else better....Its only a job. Not one of these clowns commenting would stay at their job given the circumstance...Have a GREAT SEASON WITH THE BRAHMAS!
Problem the Phoenix fans has is not the players skills, since he is good, but the fact that he broke his contract. He was supposed to work out a 2 week notice period, like EVERYONE who has a contract is expected to do, but no, he broke his contract, and walked.
Just dishonest.
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