The Mavericks announced on Friday that Bill Vandermeer has signed a contract and will be in uniform for tonight's game versus the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.

Vandermeer, 26 (5/3/84), returns to the Mavericks lineup after an uphill battle resulting from an off-season injury in which he shattered both of his heels.  The Caroline, Alberta native played in 38 games with the Mavericks during the team’s inaugural season and had 30 points on 14 goals and 16 assists. 

“The whole community has been behind Bill’s recovery,” said Hillman.  “As a coach, watching him go through what he has gone through, I am proud of his efforts and optimistic that he can return to pre-injury form.”

A 5-foot-11, 180-pound forward, Vandermeer is six games shy of 300 for his career and has averaged nearly a point per game in his five pro seasons with 279 points (123-156=279) in 294 games.  He set a career-high with 37 goals for the Amarillo Gorillas in his second pro season, and had scored 30-plus goals in three consecutive seasons before coming to Missouri in 2009-10.

“We are hoping this is a timely addition as we are searching for some additional offense, and we hope Bill is one of those answers,” added Hillman.