IceMen Sign One More Player and New Equipment Manager
September 21, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Evansville IceMen News Release
EVANSVILLE, IN.--- As their second training camp as a bona fide AA/Central Hockey League member club approaches ever so closer with each passing day, the Evansville IceMen are applying the finishing touches to the club's training camp roster as well as the staffing for the organization's hockey operations department.
With the changing of the seasons signaling the sense of hockey in the air, the IceMen and General Manager /Head Coach Rich Kromm has announced on this date the signing of one more training camp team roster candidate as well as the acquisition of a long-time pro hockey operations veteran.
The newest IceMen player is defenseman MATT CARANCI with veteran BRIAN PATAFIE assuming the position of Equipment Manager for the club. Adhering to club policy, terms of the contract deals were not disclosed.
CARANCI, (kah-RAN-see), 25, will be embarking on his second pro season overall. However, through official CHL standards and guidelines, he will be classified under the status of league rookie. Signed as a free agent, the 6-0, 205lb left-hand shooting rearguard arrives on the IceMen pro hockey scene in the Tri-State area following a productive campaign in 2010-11 in the FHL (Federal Hockey League) with the Danbury Whalers. The Toronto, Ontario product nearly averaged a point a game with the Connecticut club, collecting 24-points in 29-games on 7-goals, 17-assists while accumulating 15-PIM. In 5-post season playoff outings he was 5(1-0-1) totaling 8-PIM.
Prior to making his pro debut, Caranci saw service in the junior `A' ranks in the OPJHL with five different teams, including the Newmarket Hurricanes and Pickering Panthers in 2003-04, the North York Rangers in 2004-05, Aurora Tigers in 2005-06 as well as with the Collingwood Blues in 2006-07. His best junior `A' campaign occurred in '05-06 in Aurora where he registered 20-points in 42-games on 6-goals, 14-assists along with 74-PIM.
PATAFIE comes to Evansville for his 33rd year in the pro hockey ranks. He is a veritable veteran of the hockey wars with a resume rich in experience and excellence. Commencing in 1984, and for 15-years, he toiled tirelessly in the NHL Calgary Flames organization, working alongside Hockey Hall of Fame Members, Cliff Fletcher and Lanny MacDonald.
Recognized as a man of many talents, the IceMen's newest member in the hockey operations department has performed his craft in the OHL with the Saginaw Spirit and Ottawa 67's; in the IHL with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles and the AHL with both Moncton and Halifax. Previous to his arrival to Evansville, he worked under the employ of the Augusta River Hawks of the SPHL (Southern Professional Hockey League).
As a multi-faceted individual, Patafie has authored one book, "Ice It Down," which was released in 2008 and is presently waiting on the release of his second publication "Hockey Purgatory." He is also a noted key note speaker and has been at the podium numerous times over the years, spinning yarns and making people laugh.
Brian and his wife Dawn have two children, a son Caden and daughter Kelton.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 21, 2011
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- IceMen Sign One More Player and New Equipment Manager - Evansville IceMen
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