Undrafted rookie left wing Brendan van Riemsdyk(26) is the younger brother of two famous hockey players (James & Trevor), but has started his pro career at a much lower level than either sibling.
After finishing up his college career with a year at Northeastern University Huskies, then entering the transfer portal from University of New Hampshire Wildcats for his final year, he initially signed with Reading Royals over the summer, but when they decided not to play the 2020/2021 season, agreed to head to Knoxville Ice Bears of the SPHL.
It’s likely he just wanted to find a place where they were going to try to play as much as possible to continue work on his game and way up.
At 6’4″ 225 lbs. he’s an extra large body, so when he gets his chance at the next rung, should be able to produce numbers just standing in front of the net, pocketing rebounds.
The 25-year old should find a good spot for 2021/2022, and signs on the dotted line with the team he was scheduled to skate for last season.
He shot for 5 goals and 6 assists with a +3 rating for his team of 2020/2021.
We shall see how he sets up in the ECHL.
In all eventuality he ends up skating most of last season for Wichita Thunder, scoring 6 goals and 6 assists in 36 games to earn a look from 2022 Kelly Cup Champions, Florida Everblades for 2022/2023.