Swamp Rabbits Add Dynamic Offensive Threat
July 21, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release
Greenville, SC - The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, today announced the team has agreed to terms with forward Paul Zanette for the 2016-17 season.
"Paul is a dynamic player who will have a strong impact on our attack," Head Coach Brian Gratz said. "He's played more than 200 professional games and has served in leadership roles in the past, so his experience will definitely be a big positive for our team. He will be a key contributor in our effort to bring a Kelly Cup to Greenville."
Zanette played each of the last four seasons in Europe, including 35 games with Sweden's Edinburgh Capitals (EIHL ) last season. He recorded 39 points (19g, 20a) and 48 penalty minutes in those contests while skating alongside forward Trevor Gerling, who signed with the Swamp Rabbits on June 27.
Towards the end of last season, the 28-year-old moved to Italy's Asiago HC where he also played two seasons from 2012-14. He totaled 85 points (36g, 49a) and 68 penalty minutes in 80 combined games with Asiago HC, including three points (2g, 1a) in six games last season. In 2012-13, he notched 13 points (4g, 9a) in 13 playoff games, helping capture the Serie A Italian Championship.
"I'm looking forward to returning to the states and beginning this chapter of my career in Greenville," Zanette said. "From what I've seen, the arena and city are among the best in the league and the organization really stuck out as the right fit for me. Now I just can't wait to get started."
A native of Nobleton, Ontario, Zanette began his professional career with the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs near the end of the 2010-11 season and made 13 appearances with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs during the 2011-12 campaign. He also played 26 ECHL games with the Toledo Walleye in 2011-12 and collected 14 points (5g, 9a) and four penalty minutes. In addition, Zanette notched 21 points (8g, 13a) and a plus-3 rating in 45 games with Italy's Bolzano HC in 2014-15.
Prior to turning pro, the 6'1, 190-pound winger played four seasons at Niagara University from 2007-11. He produced 105 points (53g, 52a) in 128 career games with the Purple Eagles, including a career-best 29 goals, 26 assists and 55 points in 35 games as a senior. Zanette was named the 2011 Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year and a finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award that season.
Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits all off-season long and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team's official Facebook and Twitter
Ticket packages for the 2016-17 season are available and on sale now! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864-674-PUCK (7825) for more information and to secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the "Hop Shop" online at SwampRabbits.com/shop to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties!
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
ECHL Stories from July 21, 2016
- Steelheads Re-Sign Defenseman Zach Bell - Idaho Steelheads
- Speedster Zion Joins Beast for First Full ECHL Season - Brampton Beast
- Gladiators, Bahntge Agree to Terms - Atlanta Gladiators
- Swamp Rabbits Add Dynamic Offensive Threat - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Americans Sign Two, Bring Back Kale Kerbashian - Allen Americans
- Thunder Adds Scoring Punch in Forward Loiseau - Wichita Thunder
- Solar Bears Agree to Terms with Defenseman Trevor Ludwig - Orlando Solar Bears
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
