Brothers Vandermeer Sign With Flames

[Thrillhouse]

Calgary, AB - Calgary Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter announced today the re-signing of defenseman Jim Vandermeer and the signing of free agent forward Peter Vandermeer.

“Jim is a young defenceman who fits in very well with our group and brings us the element of toughness that is important for our team,” said Sutter. “He is clearly a player who plays in our top six. Jim gives us five defencemen still on the up swing and we know we have them for the next 3-5 years.”

Vandermeer, a native of Caroline, Alberta is a veteran of 267 NHL games split between Philadelphia, Chicago, and Calgary. After coming to Calgary last season, Vandermeer played in 21 games for the Flames recording two assists along with 39 minutes in penalties.

Prior to turning pro, Vandermeer played four seasons of junior with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League. In his final season (2000–01), Vandermeer was the captain of the Rebels team that won the Memorial Cup.

Peter Vandermeer, the older brother of Jim Vandermeer, is entering his 13 season of professional hockey.

“We signed Pete Vandermeer to be a role model for our young players in Quad Cities,” said Sutter. “He is a tough, physical player who will be important for the development of our prospects. It’s important to have character people like Pete in the organization.”

A native of Red Deer, Alberta, Vandermeer played two games with the Phoenix Coyotes last season but spent the majority of the year with San Antonio (AHL) playing in 38 games scoring twice and adding six assists to go along with 332 penalty minutes which placed him second in the AHL.

[Shawn33]

Good job by the flames.

[Sugden Flu]

Calgary is only big enough for 1 Vandermeer!! jk Maybe having 'Pistol' Pete around will be the kick in the pants that Jim needs to get him fighting regularly again?

[bupz91]

nice job by calgary.

[jkidd]

Wow... seen Jim coming back, but adding Pete? Did not see that one coming at all.

I like it. Now lets see Pete actually stay in the NHL.

[Thrillhouse]

Originally Posted by jkidd

I like it. Now lets see Pete actually stay in the NHL.

He certainly won't start there. But if there's injury or something that needs to be addressed, he'll get the call I'm sure.

[caps05]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

He certainly won't start there. But if there's injury or something that needs to be addressed, he'll get the call I'm sure.

I can see Prust likely starting the year in Calgary and Pete Vandy in QC.

[Podollan]

I thought P.Vandy resigned with San antonio so that Flames gave at least a cheap draft round for it, but who knows.

Prust will be missed in Quad City so they brought in a new guy in P. Vandy.
Not bad-
He is one of the old true crazy fighters! Always willing. I give him high props.


Jim Vandy is still a good defender- He will do well and hopefully fights more.

[leafs_fan77]

Real nice signing by Calgary.

[jkidd]

Wonder if Iron Mike brings in the rest of the Vandermeer clan to Calgary?

Lots of young Vandy's coming through the system!

[caps05]

Gotta love the picture TSN chose for posting this story on their site.

Normally, even for fighters, they choose a still photo, like the Godard photo. If you look at their page, it shows Jim Vandermeer in an action photo during his fight with George Parros earlier this year.

Yes, it shows Vandy getting a punch to the side of the head, but still....

[caps05]

Originally Posted by jkidd

Wonder if Iron Mike brings in the rest of the Vandermeer clan to Calgary?

Lots of young Vandy's coming through the system!

There are 2 brothers, Dan and Ted I believe, who are down in the lower minors that will likely never even see AHL ice, let alone NHL ice.

But that would be a nice story.

[jkidd]

Originally Posted by caps05

There are 2 brothers, Dan and Ted I believe, who are down in the lower minors that will likely never even see AHL ice, let alone NHL ice.

But that would be a nice story.

Haha... thats what I thought. Either the SP or the C I believe for those guys. ****, they could even be burried away in the ECHL.

[canuckfan]

Bringing Vandy back was a must after Godard walked and Warrener's status left up in the air. I doubt we'll see Pete all season, but you never know....

So, I wonder if Sutter will continue to pursue a HW? With Godard gone, that leaves Prust and Vandermeer to take care of the dirty work, although the Glencross signing helps reinforce the MW core. Once again, the Flames have a ton of guys who can take care of business, but at the moment they're lacking the big bonafide HW they've always carried since Sutter came here. I wonder if he's still shopping for one....

[blackngold]

That's awesome!
Forget the Hanson Brothers, now we have the Vandy Brothers!