[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by dobbles

i honestly wonder what the point of vandermeer is? i know he is a crazy *** fighter that can take on anyone in the league, but with decently good young tough guys like watt and grantham, why keep him? especially with big brother gone, he seems more expendable.

The Heat are a real young team; He's there for leadership. Sounds like a real character guy and a Sutter type

http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_va.../63769207.html

"For all the guys here, myself included, the end goal is to get back to the NHL," said Vandermeer, who suited up for two games with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007-08. "But realistically, I'm an older guy, and my chances of that are on the outside. It's my job to help these guys to there, and make sure they feel comfortable at the rink and away from the rink so they can do what they need to do.
"Would I like to play in the NHL again? Absolutely. I got my little taste of it, and I enjoyed it. It's something every kid dreams of growing up. But every time I help one of these guys get there, it's a pat on my back, I think."

"It's very important for us to get out in the community, and not just expect people to come and watch us because we're here," he said. "We have to be a positive influence, whether it's at schools or minor hockey practices, places we can pass on good information and be positive role models.
"It's (the fans') hard-earned bucks they've got to spend in order for us to have jobs, and if we don't realize that, we're pretty stupid."