Helmick leaves Whalers, goes home

Defenseman Jake Helmick has reportedly left the Plymouth Whalers and gone home to West Virginia. Helmick had played in seven games this year and did not register a point.

He joined Plymouth last January as the team's "wild card" 1988-born rookie and was pointless in 11 regular season games and two playoff games.

Helmick was originally Plymouth's fourth-round pick, 73rd overall, in the 2004 OHL Priority Selection and the first-ever West Virginia native to play in the OHL.

UPDATE - Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci said Saturday night that Helmick has strep throat and that he "expects him back soon."

Photo courtesy of the Plymouth Whalers.