Chesterville's Bryan Helmer - seen here accepting the 2010 Calder Cup as captain of the Hershey Bears - has signed a new deal with the Oklahoma City Barons.

PHOTO CREDIT - JustSports Photography

Chesterville - Mar. 20, 2011 - Chesterville's Bryan Helmer is continuing to show that age doesn't have to be a restriction when it comes to playing pro hockey.

The Oklahoma City Barons of the AHL recently signed the 38-year-old veteran defenseman to a contract for the remainder of the 2010-11 season as well as the 2011-12 season.

Originally signed to a tryout by the Barons in January, Helmer has recorded four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 24 games for Oklahoma City.

Helmer has already played in 1,006 career AHL games during his 18-year professional career, totaling 124 goals and 403 assists for 527 points. He is the league's all-time leader among defencemen in assists, points and games played.

The three-time Calder Cup champion is also the AHL's career leader with 138 career postseason games played.

"We are very excited to have Bryan under contract through next season," said Barons general manager Bill Scott in a media release.

"He has brought our team a wealth of experience and leadership since he arrived to Oklahoma City in January. He is a true professional both on and off the ice and exemplifies everything we want in a player as we continue to grow our footprint in the community. As a former NHLer and captain of back-to-back AHL championship teams he will help to develop our younger players and help to give us the experience we need to make our push for the playoffs."

Along with his AHL experience, Helmer has also played in 146 NHL games with Phoenix, St. Louis, Vancouver and Washington.