ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today the club has signed defenseman Thomas Vannelli to an entry-level contract.
Vannelli, 19, has dressed in 59 games for the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Medicine Hat Tigers this season, posting 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) and 34 penalty minutes, while ranking second on the club with nine power-play goals.
Last season, the 6-foot-2, 165-pound defenseman recorded two points (one goal, one assist) and four penalty minutes in 11 games with the U.S. National Development Team of the United States Hockey League (USHL).
The Minnetonka, Minnesota native was originally drafted by the Blues in the second round, 47th overall, of the 2013 NHL Draft.
Because Vanelli was drafted out of the US, it is possible that he plays in the AHL next year. (even though next year he is only 19)
The Blues have a lot of defensive depth in their minor league system so he could still very well return to the Tigers next year.
8 comments:
Heard he will not return will play AHL
Curtis Valk has been named the WHL Ryobi Hardest Working Player of the Year.
http://whl.ca/article/tigers-valk-ryobi-hardest-working-player
Curtis Valk named to the Eastern Conference Second All-Star Team.
Shaun Clouston nominated as the Eastern Conference recipient for Coach Of The Year.
http://whl.ca/article/whl-announces-all-stars-awards-finalists
Medicine Hat gets the 17th pick in the first two rounds of the bantam draft on May 1st,
http://whl.ca/article/2014-whl-bantam-draft-rounds-1-2
Not a Langhammer fan but have to give him credit, awesome play for the first two games!! Keep it up and would be so happy from him to prove me wrong!
Go tigers go! Keep in rolling in SC!
Anon 10:20, he's already proved you wrong.
Nah, his puck handling is terrible, 2 recent games passed it right to the other team and gave them goals.
His play in the last two games has been much improved. Staying square to the shooter and less flopping around like an untrained euro goalie from the 70's. I really hope he sticks to this play. Excellent play thus far. Also looks very calm!
The team is missing Ast. Hope he has a speedy recovery! Really liked what he brought to the team after the trade!
Go tigers go in SC! Going to be tough but I certainly dont think impossible to come home with a win or two! Go tigers go!
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