Florida Panthers Sign McKenna, Harper, Acolatse to Two-Way NHL Contracts

Published on July 1, 2015 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Florida Panthers, NHL affiliate of the Portland Pirates, today announced the signing of goalie Mike McKenna to a two-year, two-way NHL contract. The Panthers also announced the signings of forward Shane Harper and defenseman Sena Acolatse to one-year, two-way NHL contracts.

"The signing of these three players adds further depth to our organization," said Florida Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon. "McKenna is an experienced goalie who helped lead Portland to the playoffs last season, Harper is a skilled player who ranked third in the AHL in scoring last year and Acolatse is a young, physical, hard-working defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice."

McKenna was named the Portland Pirates Most Valuable Player for the 2014-15 season. The 6-foot-2, 184 pound goalie from St. Louis, Missouri posted a career highs in wins (27), goals against average (2.24), shutouts (7), save percentage (0.926), and games played (52) last season while guiding the Pirates to a 39-28-7-2 overall record and a playoff appearance. The 32 year-old ranks third all-time in Pirates history with 51 career victories. His first stint with the Pirates came during the 2007-08 season.

Over his 10-year pro career, McKenna has played 416 regular season games in the NHL (22), AHL (331), and ECHL (63). Over that time, he has played for the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Arizona Coyotes. In the AHL, McKenna has suited up for the Pirates, Norfolk Admirals, Milwaukee Admirals, Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights, Lowell Devils, Albany Devils, Peoria Rivermen, Binghamton Senators, and Springfield Falcons, while also playing parts of two seasons with the ECHL's Las Vegas Wranglers. A Sixth Round selection of the Nashville Predators in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, McKenna played four seasons of NCAA Division I Men's Hockey with the St. Lawrence University Saints.

Harper, a 5-foot-10, 190 pound right wing from Valencia, California, was the leading scorer for the AHL's Chicago Wolves in 2014-15 with 32 goals, 18 assists, and 50 points in 75 games. He also contributed four assists in five Calder Cup Playoff games for the Wolves last season.

The 26 year-old, who is entering his sixth professional season, joined the Wolves in 2013-14 after playing three seasons with the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms. He has also spent portions of two seasons with the ECHL's Greenville Road Warriors and Trenton Titans.

An undrafted free agent, Harper played five seasons with the WHL's Everett Silvertips before turning pro.

Acolatse, a 6-foot, 210 pound defenseman from Hayward, California, spent last season with the AHL's Adirondack Flames. Limited by injuries, Acolatse only skated in 38 games last season, scoring six goals, 13 assists, and 19 points.

Before last season, the 24 year-old had spent three full seasons with the AHL's Worcester Sharks.

Also undrafted, Acolatse, who will play his fifth full pro season in 2015-16, played five seasons in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Saskatoon Blades, and Prince George Cougars.

The Portland Pirates begin their first season as the top affiliate of the NHL's Florida Panthers in 2015-16! The Pirates 23rd AHL home opener is set for Saturday, October 17 at Cross Insurance Arena! Full-Season, Half-Season and 10 Game Season Ticket plans are on sale right now! Log onto portlandpirates.com or call 207-PIRATES to lock in your seats today!

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