Career
Van Vliet began his professional career in 2007, playing 48 regular season games and another 12 playoff matches with the SPHL Champion Knoxville Ice Bears. He then signed with the Cincinnati Cyclones where he played six ECHL games to finish out his rookie season. Van Vliet played five games Central Hockey League games with the Missouri Mavericks to start the 2009-2010 campaign, before rejoining the Knoxville Ice Bears on November 2, 2009.
He went on to star for the Knoxville team, and was recognized for his outstanding play by being named to the SPHL First All-Star Team in four consecutive seasons (2009-2010 to 2012-2013).