Russell with brother Matt Burto at the World Jewish Hockey Ice Hockey Tournament in Metulla, Israel

Brahmas sign Casey Russell to 2009-10 roster

The Texas Brahmas have reportedly signed rookie Defenseman Casey Russell to the 2009-10 roster. Russell is the brother of the Brahmas' Matt Burto.

Russell, 24, a defenseman at Bentley University (NCAA) in Waltham, Massachusetts was one of the highest scoring defensemen in the program's history. In four seasons, he tallied 46 points (9 G, 37 A) and 111 penalty minutes in 125 games played. This past season as a senior, Russell was eighth on the team in points with 14, which was second among the team's defensemen.

The Falcons went 19-17-2 last year, which are the second most wins in school history and the most at the Division I level. They advanced to the Atlantic Hockey semifinals before losing to the eventual champions, Air Force.

In 2005, Russell was selected to the Israeli National team which was coached by Jean Perron, who coached the NHL's Montreal Canadiens to the Stanley Cup in 1986. He has been with the Israeli Hockey program since and in the summer of 2007, played against his brother Matt Burto, who played for the United States at the World Jewish Cup in Metulla, Israel. The U.S team won gold, 2-1, over the host nation. It also defeated Israel in round-robin play.

Prior to attending Bentley, Russell split the 2003-04 season with the Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL) and the Youngstown Phantoms (NAHL). He played the previous season for the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) with brother Matt.

Russell graduated from Valley West High School in 2003, where he lettered in hockey and baseball. He played a year of prep school hockey at Avon Old Farms and played junior hockey with the Boston Jr. Bruins, capturing the EJHL regular season and playoff championships in 2005. He also won the Junior B national championship in 2001 with the Connecticut Clippers.

More to come...

Photo Credit: bostonjuniorbruins.com