Mavs Sign Defenseman Vichorek, Miller Reassigned To Missouri

The Missouri Mavericks announced Friday the Central Hockey League (CHL) team has signed defenseman Taylor Vichorek, and forward Kenton Miller has been reassigned to the Mavericks by the team’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Chicago Wolves.  Also, forward Jed Ortmeyer, who played in the last two games for the Mavericks, has signed with the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage.

Vichorek, 24 (8/25/88), is a 6-foot-8, 250-pound defenseman playing in his third season professionally.  A native of Moose Lake, Minnesota, he started this season and played in six games with the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads.  Last season, Vichorek played the majority of the year with the CHL’s Quad City Mallards.  In 52 games with the Mallards, he accounted for 10 points (4-6=10) and 42 penalty minutes.  Overall, he has 25 points (8-17=25) in 129 games played between the Steelheads, Mallards and ECHL Trenton.

“We are excited to add Taylor to our roster,” said Mavericks’ Head Coach Scott Hillman.  “He has solid experience in our league and is a big body which should allow him to fit in nicely in our defensive system. We are also hoping to add Blake Forsyth back to the active roster soon.”

Prior to turning pro, Vichorek played one season of collegiate hockey and Hamline University and three seasons of junior hockey in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Miller has played in six games with the Wolves and has a +1 plus/minus rating and two penalty minutes.  The rookie forward has 13 goals and 11 assists in 28 games with the Mavericks this season.

“Kenton is really developing quickly in his rookie year,” said Hillman.  “His time in Chicago has really helped him and he has been a major contributor when he is in our roster.  It is always a boost to get a player of Kenton’s level back in our line-up.”

Ortmeyer, a veteran of 345 National Hockey League (NHL) games, signed with AHL San Antonio on Thursday.  The nine-year pro played in two games with the Mavericks this past weekend.

“Thank you, the organization and all the guys for giving me the opportunity to get closer to where I want to be,” said Ortmeyer.  “I will be keeping tabs on the Mavericks and wish the team the best of luck.”

“We knew Jed’s time with the Mavericks would be short term,” said Mavericks’ President and General Manager Brent Thiessen.  “We are glad we helped him get back to where he should be.”

Due to injuries, the Mavericks have also signed goaltender Robert Andrews and forward Michael Uvodich.

The Mavericks head to Tulsa for a game at BOK Center tonight. Missouri is back on home ice on Saturday, February 2 against the Quad City Mallards.