Brandon Benedict (Center) with his Team Canada comrades at the at the 2007 World University Games in Turin, Italy

Texas Brahmas sign forward Brandon Benedict

Former Texas Wildcatters star returns to Texas after season in Holland

Sitting on the news for over a week and a half that the Brahmas were signing Brandon Benedict has been difficult to say the least. But the buzz about the Brahmas newest player has been too strong to contain for some. Now that the word is out, here's a little background information.

The 5' 9", 175-pound forward from Avondale, Nova Scotia got his start in junior hockey with the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL). In his five seasons there (1998-2003), he became a household name and notched 303 points (119 G, 184 A) and 285 penalty minutes in 343 games played. He was on the 1999-00 Memorial Cup championship team and captained the group in 2002-03 as the team collected 101 standings points, the highest in their history. He remains the franchise's all-time leading scorer.

A graduate of Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Benedict played for four seasons with the Axemen, registering 117 points in 99 games and was captain during the 2006-07 season. Benedict played at Acadia along with former Brahmas Kevin Korol and current Brahma Matt Quinn.

Known for leadership, puck skills and playmaking ability, he also held the captainship for Team Canada at the 2007 World University Games in Turin, Italy, leading the team to its first gold medal in the international competition since 1991.

Last season, Benedict played for the Texas Wildcatters (ECHL) scoring 69 points (20 G, 49 A) in 61 games during the regular season and eight points (2 G, 6 A) in four games during the playoffs. He was also called up to the Manitoba Moose (AHL) and played in one game. Not bad for a rookie season.

This season, Benedict joined a few of his Wildcatters teammates in Denmark playing for Totempo HVIK in the top Danish ice hockey league, Oddset Ligaen. He scored 33 points in 36 games before the team filed for bankruptcy.

Benedict is looking forward to joining the Brahmas as they make their run towards the playoffs.

"I’m very excited to come out. Hopefully I can help the team and not hurt the team (laughing). I’m just there to chip in. Don’t expect miracles, that’s for sure, I’m just there to work hard and help the team win."

Brandon flew into DFW last night during the Brahmas-Eagles game and arrived at NYTEX in time to board the bus for Bossier City. It is not know if he will suit up against the Mudbugs.

Photo Credit: Richiardi Fotocronache