Later rights traded to Missouri

Popular defenseman completes Muncy deal

The Texas Brahmas completed their trade for center Sean Muncy today by dealing the rights to defenseman Steven Later to the Missouri Mavericks. The terms of the deal stipulate that Later must report to the Mavericks to complete the trade. If he does not, the Mavericks will retain his rights and receive an additional player from the Brahmas at the end of the season.

If Later reports to Missouri, he will join winger Todd Griffith on the Mavericks roster as a result of the transaction initiated last Friday.

Later has registered 20 points (3 G, 17 A, -5) and 95 penalty minutes in 31 games played with the Brahmas this season.

Later, 26, is currently in his sixth year of professional hockey. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native played his first three seasons in the ECHL and 11 games with the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies during his rookie season.

“Steven Later is a big and strong defenseman who instantly makes us a better hockey team,” Mavericks’ Head Coach Scott Hillman said. “He has a lot of experience and is the kind of player other teams do not like to play against.”

In total, Later has played in 268 professional games in the AHL, ECHL, IHL and CHL and has tallied 140 points (44 G, 96 A) and 1,045 penalty minutes.

Later played for the Muskegon Lumberjacks (IHL) during the 2008-09 season where he had career highs in points with 29 (6 G, 23 A) and penalty minutes (296).

Update: Per Greg Rajan - Ex-IceRay Steven Later didn't play for Missouri in the Mavericks' win at Mississippi on Tuesday night and according to some of those who know Later, it appears as if he won't be reporting to Independence and could be done with pro hockey altogether. If that's the case, it's a shame because he has a lot of talent.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith