Thomas Vanek Linked To Gambling, Money Laundering Ring

By Cory Buck | Oct 31, 2014

Oct 23, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Thomas Vanek (26) looks to pass during the second period against the Arizona Coyotes at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

A bookmaker out of Rochester, NY pleaded guilty to money laundering after he accepted a $230,000 New York Islanders check to clear a gambling debt.

While it appears his name will mostly be kept out of the official records, Thomas Vanek’s name remains linked to a betting ring out of Rochester, NY that was recently broken up by authorities. Mark Ruff pleaded guilty to laundering a $230,000 check to cover gambling losses. That check bore the name of the New York Islanders, the employer of Vanek at the time of the check’s issuance.

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The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports that the $230,000 payment was ‘apparently a salary check that was endorsed and handed over to cover wagers — was made at the same time hockey superstar Thomas Vanek played for the Islanders, said local attorney James Wolford.’

Vanek acknowledged having testified for a grand jury in the case. His name is also found in records seized by the authorities. That said, Vanek remained uncharged as it’s those running the ring that the authorities were after. While Vanek may have a big name in the NHL circles, the authorities were much more concerned with the guys taking over $76 million in bets before having large chunks of cash seized.

Mark Ruff pleaded guilty to the charges and will serve nine years in order to avoid a much larger sentence for bigger crimes along the way. Also set to face trial are Mark’s brother, Joseph Ruff, and Paul Borrelli.

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