Jamie Wise divided his first professional hockey season last year shuttling between Indianapolis, Ind. and Rockford, Ill.

The 24-year-old Stouffville resident will be a lot closer to home this year.

Just a short drive west in Brampton to be specific as he recently signed with the Brampton Beast of the ECHL.

Wise found his way to Brampton after his one-year contract in playing with the Chicago Blackhawks’ American Hockey League affiliate Rockford IceHogs expired upon conclusion of last year.

With Rockford not renewing his contract, that left Wise in search of employment as he continues his quest to earn a spot on a National Hockey League club roster.

Revealing he entertained several playing options during the offseason, Wise initiated a dialogue with Brampton just a couple of weeks ago.

After amicable discussions, the two parties agreed to where Brampton inked Wise to a standard player contract.

“It’s good,” the six-foot, 205-pound forward said of the terms and in knowing what direction his hockey career is going in the short term. “Once Rockford elected not to sign me I said ‘life goes on’. I knew I would be playing somewhere.

“When I talked with Brampton they said they were interested in signing me.”

Starting last season with the Indy Heat of the ECHL where he amassed three goals and nine assists before being promoted to Rockford for a three-month stint where he had three goals in 22 regular season tilts before returning to Indianapolis until the conclusion of their season, Wise is hoping some AHL club will take notice of his exploits while toiling in Brampton – where Stouffville’s Bobby Hughes played last season.

“My dream is to play in the NHL. It hasn’t happened yet. I know that I just have to work harder,” he said. “Right now it’s in my own hands.”

In comparing his time in the ECHL and AHL, Wise was quick to note there’s a noticeable difference in the two leagues.

“Playing in the ECHL is more run and gun whereas in the AHL you play more of a structured game where they have more systems in play. And the players in the AHL are more skilled and faster,” he said.

While Wise is looking forward to trying to continue his climb up the professional hockey rank and file with Brampton he will have plenty of support during their home games.

“At least my parents can come watch me play,” he said.

His father Graham is head coach of the Ryerson University Rams men’s hockey team.

Mom Sue, is high performance co-ordinator with Athletics Ontario in Toronto. Both of them coached at York University.