Zion, Mannino Join the Express, Nolan Moves on to Toledo
January 4, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Chicago Express News Release
Hoffman Estates, IL - The Chicago Express, proud member of the ECHL and proud affiliate of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, announced today that D Jonathan Zion has signed with the club, while G Peter Mannino has been assigned to the Express by theWinnipeg Jets (NHL) from the St. John's IceCaps (AHL). G Rob Nolan has also been traded to the Toledo Walleye in exchange for future considerations.
Zion, 30, comes to Chicago after splitting the 2010-11 season between the Nottingham Panthers (EIHL) and Allen Americans (CHL). In 54 total games last season, Zion scored 51 points on 15 goals and 36 assists. The Nepean, Ontario, native has played 184 games in the ECHL, totaling 39 goals and 110 assists for 149 points along with 164 PIM. His most recent ECHL stint was in 2005-06, where he had 29 points (10g, 19a) in 25 games with the Idaho Steelheads. Zion's ECHL career includes stops with the Richmond Renegades, Reading Royals, Greenville Grrrowl, and Idaho Steelheads. In 2002-03, Zion was named to the ECHL All-Rookie team, as well as being named an ECHL second team All-Star.
The 6-1, 205 pound defenseman has also played 44 games in the AHL, scoring two goals and assisting on three others for five points along with 40 PIM. Zion has played parts of seven seasons overseas, in Finland, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. During his time in Europe, Zion played 185 games, scoring 50 goals and picking up 93 assists for 143 points. In 2007-08, he led the Danish league in goals by a defenseman with 15.
Prior to turning pro, Zion played five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), all with the Ottawa 67's, and won the Memorial Cup in the 1998-99 season. In 2000-01, Zion was named a Canadian Hockey League second team All-Star, won an OHL Championship, led the OHL in playoff assists, led his team in assists, and finished second on his team in goals.
"Zion is an elite offensive defenseman," said Head Coach Steve Martinson. "He has a great shot, and should help us out on the power play."
Mannino, 27, was assigned to Chicago by the St. John's IceCaps of the American Hockey League. Mannino is in his fourth professional season, which includes six games played in the NHL. The Farmington Hills, Michigan, native played three games for the New York Islanders in 2008-09, two games for the Atlanta Thrashers last year, and one game so far this season with the Winnipeg Jets. The bulk of Mannino's career has been spent in the AHL, where he has played 123 games over the course of four years. He is familiar with the Chicago area as well, having played 80 games in two seasons with the Wolves. In the AHL, Mannino has collected a .904 save percentage, 2.81 goals against average, and a 63-39-0-7 record. He has played nine ECHL games, all with Utah, with a 2.73 GAA, .918 save percentage, and a 4-3-2 record.
Before joining the professional ranks, Mannino played four seasons at the University of Denver (NCAA) from 2004-08. During his tenure, Mannino collected a 61-32-5 record with a .915 save percentage and 2.36 goals against average. During his senior season at Denver, Mannino earned a .917 save percentage and 2.27 GAA, while posting a 25-14-1 record in 40 games played. The 6-1, 195 pound netminder also played one year in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm, going 26-7-0 with a 2.11 GAA and .908 save percentage.
Nolan has been traded to the Toledo Walleye in exchange for future considerations. With the Express, Nolan had a 2.99 GAA, .896 save percentage, and a 6-8-1-0 record. The Sherwood Park, AB, native won the first game in Chicago Express history, a 4-1 victory over the Toledo Walleye on October 15.
The Express continue at the Sears Centre this Friday and Saturday, against the Reading Royals. Friday night is a Dollar Friday, featuring one dollar beers and one dollar hot dogs. Saturday night is Chicago Express hat giveaway night, courtesy of the Daily Herald. Puck drops at 7:30 for both games.
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