Mr. 700

Veteran defenseman Mike Vellinga gets milestone

Texas defenseman Mike Vellinga played in his 700th career game last night against the Odessa Jackalopes. Vellinga, 30, is in his 11th season and his second season with the Brahmas. He was selected by Chicago Blackhawks (round 7 #184 overall) in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.

The 6' 2", 212-pounder from Chatham, Ontario went professional after three years of major junior hockey with the Guelph Storm (OHL). The majority of his career has been spent in the ECHL with numerous call-ups to the AHL.

Vellinga won a championship with the Laredo Bucks in the 2003-04 season.

This season, Vellinga has 16 points (1 G, 15 A) and 24 penalty minutes with a +4 rating.

Congratulations on the milestone, Mike!

Photo Credit: Robert Keith