Bronze Off Week-Brahmas Preview

With the upcoming Labor Day holiday coming up there is not too much Bronze League activity to talk about, so I think it’s a good time to start the Texas Brahmas 09-10 previews.

The Brahmas title defense begins on October 16th in Colorado with a rematch of last years CHL Finals against the Colorado Eagles. The Brahmas will play two games in two days against the dirty birds in their barn just outside of Ft. Collins. During the finals last season the Brahmas split the Eagles 1-1 in the two games played their. The loss was a heartbreaking one in overtime. Justin Kinnunen got called for slashing giving the Eagles the power play which ultimately took the Brahmas down in that game. We know what happened when the Brahmas returned to our home, the Nytex Sports Centre, we kicked their asses in three straight games which ended the Eagles run, and left the Brahmas champions of the Central Hockey League.


Several of the key players to last years success are back on board this season including CHL MVP Jason Deitsch. Deitsch spent a good portion of last season playing in the American League with the Houston Aeros. Deitsch is a proven winner having won championships in the NAHL, UHL, ECHL, and now CHL. Call him a good luck charm, or just a great player. He will no doubt bring his veteran leadership back to the Brahmas as they defend their title this season.

Returning again this season to join Deitsch in the goal scoring department is Jordan Cameron. Cameron is one of the best stick handlers in the league hands down. He stands 6’4”, and can bring the heat both in scoring and hitting. Cameron will no doubt be challenging Deitsch for CHL MVP this season.

Also back is the lone representative from the Brahmas to the CHL All Star game last season, Justin Kinnunen. The man who goes by Juice is the fastest skater in the CHL, and also spent time in the American League last season. He played nearly a dozen games with the San Antonio Rampage before coming back to guard the blue line for the Brahmas. Juice is a converted forward whose speed and stick handling abilities make him nearly impossible to defend or get past.



Joining Juice on the blue line will be captain Craig Minard who put up ridiculous plus minus numbers last season proving that discipline is his strong suit. His veteran leadership and great hockey sense are a valuable asset to the organization. Hockey is in Minard’s blood as cousin Chris Minard’s name was etched on the Stanley Cup last year for his work with the Penguins. Chris recently signed a deal with the Edmonton Oilers for next season. Also back on the blue line is Kevin “Marv” McLeod. McLeod who hails from Calgary is one of the best offensive defensemen in the league. He is a sniper in the purest sense of the word. He can score from just about anywhere. His offensive spark kept other teams on their toes all season. Marv will no doubt anchor this very impressive defensive core.

New to the Brahmas this season is Derek Merlini who is 6’6” 245 lbs, no doubt an ominous looking creature that will put fear in the eyes of the other teams this season. Kyle Deck and Casey Russell who both stand 6’1” and 200 lbs will be joining Merlini as Brahma rooks this season. Both have had impressive careers and should fit in fine with this crew. Russell should really fit in with the crew as he is the step brother of Stick and Puck Class instructor Matt Burto.

Goaltending should not be a problem this year as Brett Jaeger is back between the pipes for a third season in purple and black. Jaeger was hands down the best goalie in the CHL last season. He is solid as a rock, and will no doubt frustrate opponents throughout the CHL this year.

The rest of the Brahmas that have signed so far this off season can be found here: http://www.brahmas.com/thebrahmas/roster/