FLINT, MI - More offensive firepower was added to the Flint Generals of the IHL line-up today (Saturday) with the singing of veteran center Jason Cirone for the 2007-2008 season.Cirone, a former third round draft pick of the Winnipeg Jets during the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, spent last season with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (Hidalgo, Texas) of the Central Hockey League where in 59 games he notched 28 goals and added 35 assists for 63 points and 84 penalty minutes.
Cirone, a native of Toronto, Ontario Canada spent five seasons in Italy playing for Asiago HC (2001-2002 to 2005-2006) where in 166 career games he had 84 goals and 92 assists for 176 points and 384 penalty minutes.
"Jason is a proven player at this level," said Director of Hockey Operations Ron Sanko. "Once you follow him with (Greg) Bullock, I believe we have the best 1-2 punch in the league at center -- two veteran guys that can help Jordan Fox along."
The 5-10 205 pound left shooting centerman, played one year (2000-2001) with the Frankfurt Lions in Germany where in 51 games he had 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points and 138 penalty minutes.
Cirone is not stranger to the IHL having played seven season with four different teams, Cincinnati Cyclones, Los Angeles Ice Dogs, Rochester Americans and the Kansas City Blades. In 442 career games, Cirone tallied 139 goals, 148 assists for 287 points and 830 penalty minutes.
Cirone also spent time in the ECHL, WCHL, American Hockey League and played three National Hockey League games for the Winnipeg Jets.
Cirone had a solid career in the Ontario Hockey League where he played four seasons with the former Cornwall Royals and part of a year with the Windsor Spitfires. During his junior career, he played in 212 games and had 130 goals and 150 assists for 280 points and 261 penalty minutes. A full training camp roster is now available at www.flintgenerals.com by clicking on the team info button and selecting roster.
Training camp for the Flint Generals kicks off early Sunday morning at Perani Arena and Event Center with physicals and individual player pictures. The players will hit the ice on Tuesday morning with two groups beginning at 9 am. There is a scrimmage from 3:30 pm to 5 pm. Fans are encouraged to come out and watch the practices and the scrimmages for free and look at the players vying for positions on the team.
The Flint Generals host the Port Huron Icehawks on Friday, Oct. 12 in a pre-season game at 7:30 pm at Perani Arena and Event Center. Tickets for this game are just $5 and can be purchased starting Monday at the Ticketmaster Box Office.
A reminder that Season Ticket holders can pick up their tickets beginning Monday morning at the Flint Generals Merchandise store.
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