Defenseman Mike Vernace

In his third season with the Colorado Avalanche organization, defenseman Mike Vernace continued his ascension into the world of professional hockey, reaching the ultimate peak by season’s end, appearing in 12 games with the Avalanche.

For the Toronto native, the path to the top wasn’t easy, but certainly worth it. Just two years before debuting in the NHL, Vernace spent time with Arizona of the Central Hockey League. This year, his second with the Monsters, Vernace put up 17 points (3G, 14A) and 52 penalty minutes in 65 games before spending the final 12 games with Colorado, where he recorded eight penalty minutes.

Highlights:

• November 9th, 2008: Registered first goal and first multi-point game of the season (1G, 1A) in 6-4 win against Hamilton.

• January 3rd, 2009: Scored game-winning goal in overtime against Syracuse; named first star of the game.

• February 7th, 2009: Notched his second multi-point game of the season (2A) in 4-1 win at Grand Rapids.

• February 21st, 2009: Recorded third multi-point game of the season (1G, 1A) in 4-2 win at Grand Rapids.

• March 17th, 2009: Made NHL debut at Minnesota.

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