Brendan Hodge reportedly signs on for 2011-12 season

Veteran center is consistent special teams contributor

Jim Holland of the The Rapid City Journal has reported that Brendan Hodge has signed with the Texas Brahmas. Rapid City Rush Media Relations Director/Broadcaster Daniel Nieves states the same on Twitter. The Brahmas organization has neither confirmed or announced this signing.

According to Holland's article, which was posted to the Internet on Thursday night and published in Friday's paper edition, "Hodge became a free agent and confirmed Wednesday his signing with the Texas Brahmas."

Also in the article, which can be read here, Rush head coach Joe Ferras commented on Hodge's departure after two seasons with the team.

“Brendon played very well for us and we know he’ll be successful in Texas,” Ferras said. “It’s always tough to see (players) go, but this is a business and he knows we have decided to go in a different direction with our veterans. It’s well-known that we want our players to have opportunities, whether it’s in Europe or in other leagues, where they can make more money or have a chance to further their careers. Like Brendon, it’s tough to see him go but we wish him the best.”

Hodge, 32, is entering his ninth pro season. The 6', 2" 200-pound native of Lynnfield, Massachusetts is the youngest hockey-playing son of former Boston Bruins great Ken Hodge Sr. and the younger brother of Ken Hodge, Jr. and Dan Hodge, who played and coached in the CHL.

Brendon wears the number eight - a tribute to his father, who wore the same number.

Hodge played junior hockey with the Lincoln Stars (USHL) for two seasons (1997-99) and tallied 90 points (35 G, 55 A) and 147 penalty minutes in 105 regular season games and nine points (6 G, 3 A) and eight PIM in 19 post-season contests.

Hodge committed to the State University of New York - Plattsburgh (NCAA Division III) where he played for the next four seasons (1999-03). During his collegiate career with the Cardinals, he registered 162 points (67 G, 95 A) and 130 PIM.

He went pro in 2003, signing with the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), where he spent the next three seasons, contributing 158 points (58 G, 100 A) and 145 PIM in 208 regular season contests. Hodge played with former Brahmas Mike Sgroi (2004-05) and Jordan Cameron (2005-06) during his time with the Nailers.

In 2006-07, Hodge signed with the Stockton Thunder (ECHL) where he scored 29 points (9 G, 20 A) and 26 PIM in 37 regular season games. In Stockton, Hodge was a teammate of former Brahmas defenseman Eric Main (2007-08).

Hodge signed with the Tulsa Oilers the following season, where his older brother Dan had just taken a position as assistant coach after ending a 10-year pro career with the team. After 16 games, Dan Hodge took over as head coach when the Oilers fired Butch Kaebel and was himself fired after 26 games the following season. In 97 games with the Oilers, Hodge tallied 89 points (37 G, 52) and 58 PIM. He played just 35 games in 2007-08 due to injury or his numbers would have no doubt been better.

In 2009-10, Hodge joined the Rapid City Rush and contributed 57 points (23 G, 34 A) and 22 PIM in 61 games during the regular season. In the post-season, he added 12 points (3 G, 9 A) and 2 PIM in 17 games as the Rush defeated the Allen Americans for the Ray Miron President's Cup Championship.

Last season, Hodge contributed 35 points (8 G, 27 A) and 22 PIM in 63 regular season contests and three points (2 G, 1 A) in 11 post-season games.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith