Passmore, a 5-11, 190-pounder from Mississauga, Ontario was a seventh-round draft choice (199th overall) of the Minnesota Wild in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, he played with the Manchester Phoenix in England. With the Phoenix, he recorded a career best 59 points (17-42-59) in 62 games. During the 06-07 season he recorded 54 points (22-32-54) in 55 games between the August Lynx of the ECHL and two teams in Europe. In 330 games in his professional career, Passmore has recorded 225 points (89-136-225) while serving 349 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning pro, Passmore enjoyed success at the major junior and university levels. In four seasons of play in the Ontario Hockey League with the Plymouth Whalers, Oshawa Generals and Guelph Storm, he recorded 171 points (65-106-171) and served 338 penalty minutes. Following his stint in the OHL, he played two seasons for the University of Prince Edward Island, scoring 69 points (26-43-69) in 56 games.

"This is the second cornerstone of foundation of our team," said Sauter. "We feel he can be a first line center on our team in the league. He is not a flashy type of player. He is a hard worker who is good on draws and shows up on the scoresheet nearly every night."

Passmore is the second veteran player signed by the Blazers for the 08-09 season. Each CHL team is allowed four players with 280-or-more games of experience at the professional level on their roster.