Roland Vandell- Brimsek's first defenseman

Well maybe Roland Vandell wasn't the first player to play defense in front of Frank Brimsek, but she sure was close. Vandell was there long before Boston Bruins like Eddie Shore or Jack Crawford. Vandell was a defensman for Saint Cloud State (St. Cloud Teacher's College) in 1933. Even prior to their careers in college, Vandell and Brimsek shared membership on various school hockey teams in and around Eveleth, Minnesota.
Vandell turned to officiating to stay involved with the game. He had the honor and pleasure of officiating in 15 of the first 16 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournaments. Furthermore, Vandell spent an additional 20 years officiating college hockey.
(Photo Frank Brimsek and Roland Vandell c. 1933)