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Pirates Sign Schremp, Simpson and Saponari

October 9, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates, proud AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, today announced the signing of forward Rob Schremp to a one-year American Hockey League Standard Player Contract. In addition, the Pirates announced the signings of forwards Wayne Simpson and Vinny Saponari to Professional Tryout Agreements.

Schremp, a 5-foot-10, 194 pound center from Fulton, New York, attended the Pirates' training camp on a tryout after playing the past four seasons in Europe. The 29 year-old scored six goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 42 games with Skelleftea of the Swedish Hockey League last season.

The tenth-year pro has played in 114 NHL games over five combined seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, and Atlanta Thrashers. His last NHL action came with Atlanta in 2011. The Pirates will be Schremp's fourth AHL team after suiting up for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Springfield Falcons, and Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Schremp was drafted by Edmonton in the First Round (25th Overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Simpson, a 5-foot-11, 200 pound right wing from Boxboro, Massachusetts also attended Pirates' training camp on a tryout. Last season, the 25 year-old set an ECHL Kelly Cup Playoff scoring record when posted 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points in 27 playoff games for the South Carolina Stingrays as they fell one game shy of the title.

During the regular season, the third-year pro played 65 games for South Carolina and notched 16 goals and 39 assists for 55 points. Simpson also skated in four AHL games last season for the Providence Bruins, scoring one goal.

Prior to turning pro, Simpson played four seasons of NCAA Division I Men's Hockey for the Union College Dutchmen.

Saponari, a 6-foot-1, 195 pound right wing from Powder Springs, Georgia, attended Portland's training camp on a tryout. The 25 year-old spent most of last season with the ECHL's Greenville Road Warriors, where he totaled 18 goals and 51 assists for 69 points in 68 games. The third-year pro also played three games for the Hartford Wolf Pack last season, dishing out an assist.

Saponari played 58 games with the Milwaukee Admirals in his rookie year, where he scored 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points. He made his AHL debut at the end of the 2012-13 season, notching a goal and an assist for two points in seven games with the St. John's IceCaps.

An Atlanta Thrashers Fourth Round (94th Overall) selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Saponari spent two seasons in the US National Team Development Program before playing two years for the Boston University Terriers and two years for the Northeastern University Huskies.

Portland's regular season opener will be at the Dunkin Donuts Center this Sunday, October 11 against the Providence Bruins at 3:05 p.m. Join "Voice of the Pirates" Jeff Mannix for the call of the game on the WPEI Portland Pirates Radio Network, Presented by Napa Auto Parts, on 95.9 and 95.5 FM, starting with the Pirates Pregame Show at 2:45.

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 against the Hershey Bears! Game time is 7:00 p.m. Home opening weekend continues with another game against Hershey on Sunday, October 18 at 3:00 p.m. 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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