Brahmas ink Hogeboom

Former Ontario Reign center brings experience, scoring threat to Texas

The Texas Brahmas announced on Friday that center Greg Hogeboom has signed on the for the 2010-11 season.

Hogeboom, 27, will enter his seventh pro season in October. Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong believes Hogeboom will fit nicely in the Brahmas system.

"Greg is a player who has proven to have offensive skill, but aside from his play on the puck, he is the type of forward who can be held accountable on both sides of the ice," Wildfong said.

Last season, Hogeboom tallied 59 points (32 G, 27 A, +5) and 48 penalty minutes in 72 games played with the Ontario Reign (ECHL). The 6', 190-pound native of Etobicoke, Ontario had three hat tricks and led the Reign in goals and points scored. He was also selected as a member of the National Conference in the 2010 ECHL All-Star Game (the National Conference won 10-9).

A qualifying offer was made to Hogeboom by the Reign, who retain his ECHL rights for the 2010-11 season. But in an interview with J.P. Hoornstra who publishes the Where the Reign Reigns blog, Hogeboom explained his decision to sign in the CHL.

"I talked to the coach there (Dan Wildfong) a couple weeks after the season. He offered me a player/assistant coaching job," Hogeboom said. "I kind of just, mainly, made a money decision. I could get paid year-round, get paid a little bit more with that. I got a few offers from European clubs, but me and my wife decided to stick it out here for one more year, enjoy a different change of scenery."

Hogeboom played four seasons with the University of Miami (Ohio) Redhawks (NCAA) from 2000-2004, putting up 120 points (65 G, 55 A) and 74 penalty minutes in 156 regular season games played. He was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the fifth round (#152 overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry draft and played in three games with the Manchester Monarchs (AHL) at the end of the 2003-04 season.

In 2004-05, Hogeboom played just 14 games with the Monarchs due to injuries (separated shoulder, torn carpal ligament).

The following season was split between the Monarchs and the Reading Royals (ECHL). In 42 games with the Monarchs, he scored 19 points (9 G, 10 A) and 18 PIM. In 19 games with the Royals, he tallied 27 points (9 G, 18 A) and 4 PIM.

The 2006-07 season was also split between the Monarchs and the Royals. In 15 games with the Monarchs, he had an assist and six penalty minutes. In 54 games with the Royals, he exploded with a then career-best 74 points (30 G, 44 A) and 43 PIM.

In 2007-08, Hogeboom opted to cross the pond and played the next two seasons in the Swiss National League B. With EHC Visp, put forth a career-high 76 points (39 G, 37 A) and 68 penalty minutes in 49 games played. He added six points (4 G, 2 A) and 31 PIM in seven post-season contests. In 2008-09 with HC Thurgau, he tallied 36 points (18 G, 18 A) and 36 PIM in 40 games played. He added three points (2 G, 1 A) and 4 PIM in six post-season contests.

had 36 points (18 G, 18 A) in 40 games as a member with Hogeboom played two seasons in Switzerland with Visp and Thurgau. With the Visp in 2007-08, the Etobicoke, ONT native had 76 points (39 G, 37 A) in 49 games. The following year HogeboomThurgau.

Here are a couple of short videos of Hogeboom during his time in Switzerland, courtesy of YouTube.

Photo Credits: top/letsgokings.com; bottom/rich'shockeypicks@smugmug.com