Friday, February 2, 2018

Devils Sign Ex Vernon Viper Strachan:

The British Elite Ice Hockey League (BEIHL)
Cardiff Devils former Vernon Vipers defenceman Tyson Strachan. The Devils are a Welsh ice hockey team that play in the BEIHL.

Strachan will join two former Vernon Lakers/Vipers alumni. Former Vernon Vipers forward Andrew lord (2002-2004) is in his fifth season with the Devils as player/coach, while former Vernon Lakers defenceman Todd Kelman (1992-93) is in his fourth season with the Devils as the teams franchise owner & general manager.

Strachan was invited to the Arizona Coyotes training camp was released from camp September 24th 2017 before signing with the American Hockey League Stockton Heat. Strachan never played a game in Stockton was eventually released October 2nd 2017.

Strachan played last season with the American Hockey League Rochester Americans.

After four years at Ohio State University Strachan has played the past ten seasons with twelve teams in three leagues (Albany River Rats, Las Vegas Wranglers, Peoria Rivermen, St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, San Antonio Rampage, Washington Capitals, Hershey Bears, Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Iowa Wild & Rochester Americans).

Strachan played one season in Vernon (2002-03) collecting (6-goals-22-assists-28-points) in 56 regular season games with the Vipers.

Strachan was drafted by Carolina in the 5th Round (137th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Tyson Strachan's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=15420

This was posted on the Devils website:

Former NHLer Tyson Strachan Inks Deal with the Devils

21/10/2017

The Cardiff Devils are pleased to confirm the signing of former NHL defenceman Tyson Strachan.

Strachan joins the Devils after spending last season with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League, the top affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres.

The 6'3" 210 lbs defender played 186 games in the NHL for the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres and most recently for the Iowa Wild.  He also played 404 games in the AHL. 

Before turning pro, Strachan was a standout for 4 years at Ohio State University, winning a league title his first year with Ohio State.  Prior to University, he played junior hockey in Vernon, BC with none other than current Devils' Head Coach Andrew Lord. 

"We are really pleased to get Tyson at this stage of the season," said Lord.  "He is a solid defenceman who has played at the top level in the world and I believe he will be a huge boost for us back on the blueline."

"Fans can expect a rock solid D-man in Tyson.  His teammates can expect a total pro, a great guy in the locker room and a leader out on the ice."

The signing came through an NHL connection of owner Steve King who called about Strachan last week when the team was over in Sweden.  The connection runs even deeper with Strachan's agent and Devils' Managing Director Todd Kelman, who played junior together in Vernon for the same organisation that Lord and Strachan played for years later. 

Lord stated: "We have hit some injury trouble, so this signing comes at a very crucial time for us. We have a massive weekend coming up with games against Sheffield and Nottingham.  We expect to have Tyson in the lineup for both games this weekend."

Strachan will wear number 25 for the Devils and is expected to land in Cardiff on Thursday. 

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