VanderVeeken Returns to CHL With Missouri

Wallaceburg’s Jamie VanderVeeken is back on North American soil after a year overseas playing in Italy and England.

VanderVeeken signed with the Missouri Mavericks earlier this summer and will suit up for the Central Hockey League team this season.

The Wallaceburg Lakers alumni left Fassa in Italy midseason last year to join England’s Cardiff Devils where he helped his team to the English Elite Ice Hockey League final. In 31 games with Cardiff, VanderVeeken had 7 goals and 24 assists, before adding 4 assists in 4 playoff games.

This is not VanderVeeken’s first tour of duty in the CHL, as he previously played for the Arizona Sundogs and Rapid City Rush. Entering his 4th season of CHL action, VanderVeeken brings a veteran presence to Missouri. In 2010, VanderVeeken won a CHL championship with Rapid City.

“Jamie Vanderveeken is a proven winner and one of the top defensemen in the CHL,” said Missouri head coach Scott Hillman on the Maverick’s website.

“He has a huge shot from the blueline and the ability to move the puck up the ice quickly. We made great strides with our power play last season and adding Jamie to the mix this season will give us another element in which will be concerned with.”

Last season, Missouri finished 3rd in the CHL’s Turner Conference.