Brahmas sign defenseman Kyle Deck

Former Flint Generals standout joins 2009-10 roster

Dan Wildfong has added another solid blue liner to the Brahmas’ roster with the signing of second year defenseman Kyle Deck. Deck, 23, is coming off an impressive season of play in the International Hockey League.

The 6-foot-1, 201-pound native of Sedley, Saskatchewan played junior hockey in nearby Regina with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. He played briefly with the Brahmas’ Grant Jacobsen during the 2002-03 season. During his time with the Pats, Deck tallied 106 points (25 G, 81 A) and 310 penalty minutes in 266 games played. He served as team captain during his final two seasons.

Once his time with the Pats was up and with no professional offers, Deck decided to go to college. During the 2007-08 season, he attended the University of Regina (CWUAA) and played hockey with the Cougars, scoring 9 points (1 G, 8 A) in 24 games played.

After the season was over and unhappy with the college experience, Deck took an opportunity to go pro and signed with the Flint Generals (IHL). He saw playing time in eight remaining regular season games as well as five games during the playoffs. Although he only managed an assist during his time with the Generals, he impressed his coach and earned one of their two spots at the Detroit Red Wings training camp.

"That was phenomenal," said Deck in an interview with mlive.com. "I had grown up watching those guys, the Nick Lidstroms, the (Pavel) Datsyuks, the (Henrik) Zetterbergs. It was a dream come true. I learned a lot there. Just going into Joe Louis Arena was phenomenal, seeing all the people who had been there. They treated you like were on the team. We went out for supper and they treated us great. I got to play with (Niklas) Kronwall, (Brad) Stuart, (Derek) Meech. The biggest thing about the NHL is their passes are on the tape every time and hard. That's the thing I'm trying to do here. I'm trying to get to the next level, too."

His two weeks with the defending Stanley Cup champions boosted Deck's confidence when he reported back to the team. Deck played in 45 games last season, notching 38 points (13 G, 25 A, -4) and 48 penalty minutes. On special teams, he scored 15 points (7 G, 8 A). In January, Deck was honored as the IHL Rookie of the Week after tallying 4 points (2 G, 2 A) in 3 games. He led the league in points (38) and assists (25) and was tied for second in goals (13) amongst all IHL defensemen.

After the season was over, Deck went overseas to play with Jesenice, a Slovenian hockey team of the Austrian Erste Bank Hockey League.

Dan Wildfong is looking forward to having Deck on board for the 2009-10 campaign.

"Our defense was one of the elite crew in the league last season, and we look for that same success. With Kyle on our blue line, we are sure to shutdown top lines this season," said Wildfong.

Photo Credit (top): Stuart Bauer/The Flint Journal