Bryan Helmer

Bryan Helmer (born July 15, 1972 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada) is a professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League. He has also played in the NHL with the Washington Capitals, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks.

Playing career
Helmer went undrafted but was signed as a free agent by the New Jersey Devils in 1994. He never played a game with the Devils, instead playing with their minor league affiliate Albany River Rats for 5 years. His most successful season with the River Rats was during the 1997–1998 season when he scored 63 points in 80 games along with 101 PIM and an appearance in the AHL All-Star Game.

Following the 1997–1998 season Helmer signed with the Phoenix Coyotes. He made his NHL debut with the Coyotes, appearing in 11 games. He was then released and later claimed on waivers by the St. Louis Blues. He appeared in another 29 games with the Blues, notching 4 assists. The 1999–2000 season saw Helmer play the majority of the year with the Worcester IceCats while also appearing in 15 games with the Blues.

After the 1999–2000 season Helmer signed with the Vancouver Canucks. He spent the next 3 years bouncing between the Canucks and the minors. The 2001–2002 saw Helmer achieve NHL career highs with 10 points and 53 PIM. In addition Helmer played 6 games in the playoffs that year, the only time he has played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

On July 25, 2003, Helmer was traded by the Canucks back to the Phoenix Coyotes for Martin Grenier. He missed the majority of the 2003–2004 season due to a shoulder injury but managed to appear in 17 games with the Coyotes. Prior to the 2008-2009 season this had been the last time Helmer played in the NHL. He signed with the Detroit Red Wings in 2004 but played 2 years in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins. He was re-signed by the Coyotes in 2006 and had been playing with the San Antonio Rampage.

Helmer signed with the Hershey Bears on July 24, 2008, and served as Captain of the team. On November 28 2008, the Washington Capitals signed and recalled Helmer from Hershey due to several key injuries among the Capitals' defensemen.

Awards

 * 1997–98: AHL First All-Star Team
 * 2005–06: AHL Second All-Star Team