Brookfield Native Joel Rechlicz Returns to NHL

Former Brookfield Stars high school hockey player Joel Rechlicz is back in the National Hockey League.

The Washington Capitals signed the 24-year-old to a one-year contract and recalled him from Hershey of the Amercian Hockey League, according to a press release from the team on Monday.

DC Sports Report writes that Rechlicz is a "prototypical fighter" and his statistics seem to back that up. Over parts of two seasons with the New York Islanders, Rechlicz picked up one assist and 95 penalty minutes in 23 appearances. Over 105 AHL games with Albany, Bridgeport and Hershey, Rechlicz compiled two goals and two assists for six points — and 562 penalty minutes.

According to his Wikipedia page, Rechlicz left Brookfield at age 16 to play in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League. From there he's lugged his gear all over the continent, playing in Santa Fe; Des Moines; Indianapolis; Gatineau, Canada and others.

The Capitals, tied for the lead in the Southeast Division with 55 points, visit Tampa Bay tonight in their first game following the NHL All-Star Break.