Mason in, Chisholm out

Latest roster move bolsters blue line

The Texas Brahmas placed rookie defenseman Denis Chisholm on waivers today and signed rookie Tyrell Mason to effectively take his place.

Chisholm, 23, played in all four games thus far and had an assist in the Brahmas overtime loss to the RiverKings last Friday night.

Mason, who is 15 days older than Chisholm, was selected by the New York Islanders in the 6th round (#180 overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. A native of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Mason played two years of junior hockey with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) where he tallied 78 points (13 G, 65 A) and 150 penalty minutes in 110 games played.

He spent the last four seasons at Clarkson University (NCAA) where he was teammates with current Brahma Mike Willemsen.

In 2007-08, his junior year with the Golden Knights, Mason proved that he is a solid stay-at-home defenseman and played a key role in Clarkson’s stingy defensive effort. He was the second leading scorer from the Knights’ blue line with 10 points, including nine assists. He helped to set up Clarkson’s first goal in their 2-1 victory over St. Cloud State in the NCAA East Regional (3/28), and he set up a goal in each of their last two ECAC Hockey quarterfinal series games against Colgate (3/15-16). He posted a +8 plus/minus rating and led the team in penalties (30/60). He was named to ECAC Hockey weekly Honor Roll three times and was voted Team Captain for the 2008-09 season.

Here's a talent analysis from the Hockey's Future website:

Mason is an enthusiastic, mobile defenseman. He’s a defenseman who keeps things simple yet does it in a way that is quite effective. He plays with an abundance of energy and competitive spirit. One area where Mason’s game really matured over the course of the season was his on-ice awareness, particularly in the defensive zone. This was evident in reading and anticipating plays better. He is very smart and has excellent vision. Mason skates with nice long strides with good speed. He has demonstrated good poise with the puck and the ability to jump into plays. Mason can also be quite physical and can finish his checks. While he is still a project, Mason has already shown that he is a very solid and reliable two-way defenseman. With continued growth in his game and physical development, Mason could become a top-flight, dominating force as well.

"Ty is one of those guys who if you don't watch the game closely, you will not really notice him. That is a compliment. He is very strong defensively and does all the simple, little things that lead to success."

- Clarkson head coach George Roll

"I'm very impressed with how he can be shifty and agile with his skates. His skating ability is amazing with his size. What most people wouldn't notice about Ty, those that don't really know hockey, is the way he protects the puck in his defensive zone."

- Clarkson Co-Captain Phil Paquet

In July, Mason signed with the Idaho Steelheads (ECHL) but was released a couple of weeks ago just prior to the beginning of the season.

Photo Credit: photopresdigitation (Flickr)