Jim Vandermeer James Patrick " Jim " Vandermeer ( born February 21 , 1980 ) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League ( NHL ) . Jim was born and raised in Caroline , Alberta . Playing career . Prior to playing professionally , Vandermeer played four seasons of junior hockey for the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League ( WHL ) . In his final season ( 2000 – 01 ) , Vandermeer was the Captain of the Rebels team that won the WHL Championship and the Memorial Cup . He then signed a contract with the Philadelphia Flyers as an undrafted free agent . Vandermeer was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks on February 19 , 2004 , with Colin Fraser and a 2004 2nd round draft pick in exchange for Alexei Zhamnov . During the NHL lock - out , he played with the Norfolk Admirals , the AHL affiliate to the Chicago Blackhawks . During the 2005 - 2006 season with the Chicago Blackhawks , Jim earned $ 1 . 225 million per year and was named one of the teams " A " Alternate Captain for select games . On December 18 , 2007 , Jim was traded back to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Ben Eager . On February 20 , 2008 , Jim was traded to the Calgary Flames for a third round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft . On July 1 , 2008 , James signed a 3 year deal work $ 6 . 9 million as an Unrestricted Free Agent ( UFA ) with the Calgary Flames . On June 27 , 2009 , Jim was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for Brandon Prust . On April 7 , 2010 , Jim was named Man of the Year by the Phoenix Coyotes . On June 30 , 2010 , Jim was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Patrick O ' Sullivan . On March 22 , 2011 , Jim recorded his 100th career point vs the Nashville Predators with an assist on a goal by Jordan Eberle . During the 2010 - 2011 season with the Edmonton Oilers , Jim was named one of the teams " A " Alternate Captain for select games . On July 1 , 2011 , Jim became a unrestricted free agent and signed a one - year , $ 1 million deal with the San Jose Sharks . Community Involvement . Jim , along with Trent Hunter of the New York Islanders and Kris Russell of the Columbus Blue Jackets , host an annual Young Guns Charity Golf Tournament at Alberta Springs Golf Course in Red Deer , Alberta . Ryan Smyth of the Edmonton Oilers is one of the tournaments founding members . Ryan ' s Mother , Dixie , remains extremely active on the tournaments Board of Directors and plays a key roll in the continuing success of the annual event . The money raised from the tournament is divided between many local charities , including The Stollery Children ' s Hospital , The Lending Cupboard , The Schizophrenia Society of Alberta , Shalom Counseling Center , The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Society and Red Deer Minor Hockey . In 2010 Jim was named Man of the Year by the Phoenix Coyotes for his dedication , commitment and passion for bettering the lives of those in the community during his first season as a member of the Coyotes . Vandermeer and his wife Stefanie participated in many community initiatives including adopting a class at Children First Academy , delivering food and blankets to Watkins Homeless Shelter and supporting the Teammates for Kids Foundation . Vandermeer ’ s charitable endeavors are an example of what it means to wholeheartedly support those who are less fortunate . Vandermeer has served as a role model to both his teammates and the community . In lieu of gifts at their 2009 nuptials , Jim and his Wife invited guests to donate to their favorite charity , Garth Brooks ' Teammates For Kids Foundation . At the time Jim was playing with the Calgary Flames ( he was traded to Phoenix less than a week before tying the knot ) and the couple also invited guests to donate to another charity close to their hearts , The Calgary Flames Foundation For Life . Personal Life . Jim was introduced to his wife by his close friend and ex - teammate Brent Seabrook . Jim has noted both Brent Seabrook and James Wisniewski as two of his closest friends in the NHL . Both served as groomsmen at Jim ' s wedding in Vancouver , BC on July 3 , 2009 . Lisa , wife of Scott Hartnell , served as a bridesmaid . James Wisniewski , along with Ajay Baines , served as co - MC ' s at Jim ' s wedding . Jim served as a groomsman at the wedding of Nicole and James Wisniewski on July 10 , 2010 . External links . < br >