A nine-year pro, Helminen signed with the K-Wings on 02/02/13. Helminen, who hasn’t played this season, played for the K-Wings a season ago.
A native of Hancock, Michigan, Helminen has played in 27 regular season games in the NHL, as well as eight postseason contests with the Carolina Hurricanes and the San Jose Sharks.
Playing a majority of his career in the NHL, AHL and Europe, Helminen’s best season as a professional was back in 2005-06, when the forward notched 55 points (32 goals, 23 assists) in 77 contests with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack.
A former draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers (8th round, 244th overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, this will be Helminen’s third time around in the ECHL, during his rookie season; he spent 28 games with the Charlotte Checkers.
A three-year standout at the University of Michigan, Helminen also participated in Team USA’s developmental program, playing for U.S. National Under 17, Under 18 and Under 20 teams.
Helminen is the cousin of current K-Wings defenseman John Kivisto.
