Former Brahma defenseman becomes a different kind of enforcer

Chris Mann joins Canadian police force

He traded in a life on the ice for a chance to enforce the peace and now former Texas Brahmas defenseman Chris Mann has gotten his dream job - he's been hired by the Greater Sudbury Police Service, and he's currently attending the Ontario Police College.

Mann, 30, an aggressive, stay-at-home defenseman with excellent mobility, had an opportunity to re-join the Brahmas in February before the playoff run that ultimately led to the President's Cup. But rather than return to the ice, Mann decided he wanted to remain available for interviews as he pursued his chosen career in law enforcement.

He earned a degree in criminal justice at Elmira College in upstate New York where he played NCAA hockey from 2001-2005. After graduating, he played for the Elmira Jackals (UHL) for two seasons before signing with the Brahmas.

Mann played in all but four games for the Brahmas during their inaugural season in 2007-08. He served a four-game league suspension for breaking the jaw of Oklahoma City Blazer Graham Dearle. Mann was retaliating after goaltender David Cacciola was slashed. He tallied four assists and 168 penalty minutes during the regular season and served another 18 penalty minutes during nine post-season contests.

Mann re-signed with the Brahmas in late August of 2008 but decided to retire before training camp began.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith