Jim Vandermeer

James Patrick Vandermeer (born February 21, 1980) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who last played for the Belfast Giants of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). Vandermeer previously played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, Phoenix Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers and the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Playing career Amateur Vandermeer capped-off a four-year career (1997–2001) with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL) winning the Memorial Cup in 2001, while leading the WHL that season in plus/minus, with a +49. The recipient of the WHL Humanitarian of the Year award in 2001, Vandermeer served as the team's captain from 1999–2001, and amassed over 700 PIM in his four years in Red Deer. Professional On December 21, 2000, Vandermeer signed with the Philadelphia Flyers as an undrafted free agent. He made his professional AHL debut with the Philadelphia Phantoms during the 2001-02 season. On January 2, 2003, Vandermeer made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers playing against the Anaheim Ducks.