[JSHEYNOW27]

Meet Bryan Helmer, a newcomer to Hershey Bears/Washington Capitals organization. Helmer was signed as a free agent .. spending the last two seasons in the Phoenix Coyotes' organization with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL.

*Born on 7/15/72 in Sault Ste. Marie, ONT.

*Undrafted, veteran of 1,032 pro games.

*Appeared in 134 NHL contests over the course of six seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks and St. Louis Blues.

*Made his NHL debut with Phoenix on 10/11/98 vs OTT.

*Tallied first NHL point (assist) with St. Louis against Detroit on 12/26/in 98-99.

*Scored first NHL goal (GWG) on 2/12/00 with STL vs. ANA--former U.S. Olympic goaltender Guy Hebert surrendered the goal.

*Member of 1995 Calder Cup Champion Albany River Rats, where he was teammates with former Bears Reid Simpson and Steve Brule.

*Teammates last season in San Antonio with former Bears Peter Vandermeer and Joey Tenute.

*Appeared in 1,000th pro game on 1/20/08 vs TOR.

*Appeared in all 80 games 4 times in his AHL career.