Coyotes Sign Pete Vandermeer to NHL Contract

[VodkaFish]

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed left wing Pete Vandermeer to a National Hockey League (NHL) contract.

Vandermeer, 32, has recorded 0-3-3 and a team-leading 210 penalty minutes (PIM) in 21 games this season for the San Antonio Rampage, the Coyotes’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.

A native of Red Deer, Alberta, Vandermeer currently ranks 5th all-time in the AHL with 2,374 career PIM. Entering this season, Vandermeer had led his team in PIM in seven of his 11 professional campaigns.

Vandermeer has recorded 51-64-115 in 494 career AHL games with seven teams. The 6-foot, 209-pound forward registered 2-5-7 and 129 PIM in 26 games with Hershey last season. He led the AHL with 398 PIM while with Philadelphia in 2003-04. In 2000-01, Vandermeer posted 19-18-37 and 240 PIM in 62 games with Providence for his best offensive season in the AHL.

In 128 career games in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), Vandermeer collected 43-49-92 and 897 PIM with three different clubs.

Vandermeer is the oldest of six hockey-playing brothers. His brother Jim Vandermeer is a defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers.

[FrontLineAdmirals]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet. I wonder if they'll give him a shot in the desert this season?

[KingsFan1980]

Nice this is a good signing.

[MrFrost]

Id be surprised if he gets called up. Carcillo is allready there and Gratton is a huge fan favorite.

[BStreetBullies]

Alllrrriiggghhhtt! Niice!

That AHL squad has to be fukkin nuts, I've got to see them play when they come to Philly.

[Humpzilla]

Couldn't happen to someone more deserving. Well, actually, there's quite a few.....but at this point, I'm just happy to see any long-time AHLers get some respect from the NHL.

That's one hell of a tough club!

[jkidd]

The Yotes should really just bring up Daniel Carcillo, Josh Gratton and Pete Vandermeer and call the season quits - but give people a reason to come to the rink.

[NewNHLHater]

They must plan on calling him up. As the article says he's been playing all season, well 21 games anyway for their AHL affiliate.

Pete played for Hershey last year and when he wasn't hurt (broken leg) he fought all of the heavys. He didn't make a very big impression on me but he has a lot of heart. When he's been in the lineup this year for San Antonio he has been going wild, obvious by his 210 minutes in 21 games.

If he gets a shot in Phoenix watch for him to go on a fighting terror like Koci did on his initial call up.

[Scagnetti]

ITS ABOUt TimE!!!! CONGRATs PISTOl PETe!!!!!!!!!!

[Snipes19]

Originally Posted by jkidd

The Yotes should really just bring up Daniel Carcillo, Josh Gratton and Pete Vandermeer and call the season quits - but give people a reason to come to the rink.

Sorry man, but that's the stupidest idea I've ever heard.

Why in the world would the Coyotes quit? Are you aware that they are only ONE point out of a playoff spot right now? If they win their next game, they could be sitting in 8th place in the West - so even with this young team, they have a legit chance to make the playoffs.

Calling it quits when you're in the playoff picture is an awful idea. Coyotes fans already DO have a reason to go to the rink... we all expected them to be awful, and look how well they're playing.

I want to see tough guys get called up too, but when the team is winning, you can't just load up on goons. They should call up Carcillo (since he can contribute offensively too) and maybe Gratton... I think Gratton is a better overall player than Vandermeer, so the 'Yotes could use him more. I'm happy to see Vandy get signed though... good for him.

[HordiBrusk29]

I don't really understand this move but I'm certainly not complaining about it. Good for Pete and I hope the Coyotes give him a shot (although I'm not counting on it).

[FrontLineAdmirals]

At the end of the season, I'd love for Phoenix to squeak into the playoffs... but there's no chance that'll happen. Absolutely none.
Their entire team is filled with overachievers, save Peter Mueller.

I'm surprised it hasn't all come crashing down just yet.

IMO, Gretzky has done a masterful job just keeping them competetive.

A line of Carcillo, Gratton & Vandy would kill. They could be the modern day Barnaby/May/Ray.

[Orr=God]

does this mean the he's gonna get called up. san antonio must be a sick team to watch with josh gratton, peter vandermeer, and daniel Carcillo.

[BLACK OUT]

WOW , now this is great news . Pete is as tough as they come and will have no problem stiring it up and taking on anyone . Great signing ..

[jkidd]

Originally Posted by Wes McSnipes

Sorry man, but that's the stupidest idea I've ever heard.

Good for you.

I stand by my statement. Bring up the goons/agitators and give the fans something to watch, because IMO - the Yotes wont get into the playoffs.