2011 Texas Brahmas "Making the Cut" dates set

At least two training camp contracts to be awarded

The Texas Brahmas have set the dates for the 5th annual Making the Cut prospect camp - September 23-25th at the NYTEX Sports Centre.

Last year, 31 athletes attended three days of camp with countless drills and multiple scrimmages as well as several off-ice activities. They were reduced to three finalists who were offered training camp contracts.

This year, prospects will attend an informational meeting at 7:00 pm on Thursday evening, September 22nd at the NYTEX Sports Centre where coaches Dan Wildfong and Ron Vogel will lay out rules and expectations. Also expected to be on hand will be General Manager Mike Barack, Equipment Manager Phil Shipp and Athletic Trainer Tom Hart.

The camp will begin Friday morning and break Sunday afternoon when two athletes will be offered official 2011 Texas Brahmas training camp contracts. The Brahmas and all CHL teams are able to officially open training camp Monday, October 3rd.

Three years ago, defenseman Ross Rouleau was on the receiving end of the "Making the Cut" speeches, and after a strong outing, an invitation to the Brahmas official training camp followed. Rouleau became a member of the 2009 Ray Miron President’s Cup Championship team and remains a member of the blue line to this day.

Applicants must be 18 years old or older to attend the camp. Athletes must also make their own travel and lodging accommodations. The price for the prospect camp is $200.

The application form and more information can be found here.

Space is limited, register today!

Questions regarding the camp or the Texas Brahmas can be directed to Dan Wildfong at (817) 336-4423 or dwildfong@brahmas.com.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

Dylan Stanley signs with EC Bad Nauheim

Former Brahmas forward will play in German Premier League in 2011-12

EC Bad Nauheim of the German Oberliga (Premiere League) has announced that former Texas Brahmas forward Dylan Stanley has signed with the team for the 2011-12 season.

Stanley, 27, began last season with the Colorado Eagles where he tallied 22 points (8 G, 14 A, -6) and 14 penalty minutes in 38 games played. Stanley signed with the Brahmas on March 1st, three days after being waived by the Eagles. In 15 games with the Brahmas, Stanley registered 15 points (6 G, 9 A, +1) and 4 PIM. He added three points (2 G, 1 A) in four post-season contests.

Outside of a 10-games stint with the Greenville Grrrowl (ECHL), Stanley played the two previous season in the German Oberliga with the Rosenheim Star Bulls. His best pro season came in 2008-09, when he tallied 118 points (45 G, 73 A) and 46 PIM in 61 games played.

Prior to going pro, Stanley played three seasons with the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

Stanley currently lives in his hometown of Edmonton, Alberta where he and his fiancee recently purchased a home.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

McLeod signs in Austria

Former Brahmas defenseman to join Vienna Capitals in 2011-12

The Vienna Capitals have announced the signing of former Texas Brahmas defenseman Kevin McLeod to a tryout agreement. The Capitals are a member of the Erste Bank Hockey League and play their home games at the 4,500 seat Albert Schultz Eishalle.

McLeod spent the 2010-11 campaign with Hvidovre Ligahockey (Denmark), scoring 23 points (7 G, 16 A) and 123 penalty minutes. He added two assists in four playoff games.

Prior to traveling overseas, McLeod spent three seasons with the Brahmas, registering 114 points (46 G, 68 A) and 201 PIM in 168 regular season contests and 20 points (5 G, 15 A) and 40 PM in 31 post-season games.

In 2008-09, McLeod enjoyed his finest professional season as he tied for first in the Central Hockey League among defensemen (Sam Ftorek, Amarillo) in goals scored with 20. His 50 points (20 G, 30 A) ranked him fourth on the Brahmas roster in the goals, assists and points categories.

In 2009-10, McLeod also played five contests with the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

Stuart Fraser honored by Central Hockey League

CHL Leadership Award goes to league's longest-tenured owner

The Central Hockey League’s annual summer meeting came to a close on Saturday evening, with Texas Brahmas owner, Stuart Fraser honored with the CHL Leadership Award.

Fraser has been the majority owner of the Brahmas for 14 seasons and continues to be a positive leader and influence in the CHL. Accepting Fraser’s award on his behalf was Brahmas General Manager, Mike Barack. Fraser is the league's longest-tenured owner, having taking the reins during the 1998-99 campaign.

“I want to thank the CHL, all of the Brahmas staff, the City of North Richland Hills and NYTEX Sports for taking part in the Brahmas continuation of pro hockey in our area,” Fraser said upon hearing the announcement. “I also appreciate all of our loyal fans who have supported our franchise through thick and thin,” he added.

Also announced were the participating teams for the CHL’s 20th year of play. The new season will consist of a 14-team league split into two conferences of seven teams with the conference reflecting the geography of North and South. The Wichita Thunder will be moving to the Southern Conference.


The conference alignment for the 2011-12 season will be as follows:

North (Turner Conference)

Bloomington
Dayton Gems
Evansville IceMen
Fort Wayne Komets
Missouri Mavericks
Quad City Mallards
Rapid City Rush

South (Berry Conference)

Allen Americans
Arizona Sundogs
Laredo Bucks
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
Texas Brahmas
Tulsa Oilers
Wichita Thunder

Photo/Image Credits: Top, Robert Keith; Bottom: Central Hockey League

Burichin re-signs for 2011-12 campaign

Steady blue liner first to sign for the purple and black

The Texas Brahmas have announced the re-signing of defenseman Jim Burichin for the 2011-12 season.

Burichin, 25, returns to North Richland Hills following an eight point scoring effort (2 G, 6 A, +14) in 45 games played during his rookie season. Burichin’s tenacity and strong defensive skills helped keep the the opposition off the scoreboard before an injury sidelined him in mid-February.

Prior to signing with the Brahmas, Burichin played four years at Niagara University. The Strongsville, Ohio native tallied 13 points (3 G, 10 A) and 40 penalty minutes in 97 games for the Purple Eagles and built a reputation as a solid defensive leader.

The 6', 185-pound defenseman played two seasons (2003-05) with the Cleveland Barons of the North American Hockey League, where he registered 20 points (2 G, 18 A) and 86 PIM in 80 games played. He followed with a season on the blue line for the Baystate Breakers in the Eastern Junior Hockey League, netting 13 points (1 G, 12 A) in 45 games.

“Jim was pivotal in his role as a steady defenseman last season, and it hurt our blue line when he was injured," Brahmas head coach Dan Wildfong said. "His physical presence and hockey sense is comforting to have on the roster for the Brahmas, and we look forward to his return.”

Photo Credit: Robert Keith