Paul Caponigri returns to ECHL with Wildcatters

[hockeyfan]

http://www.texaswildcattersfanclub.com/PaulCaponigri.htm

BEAUMONT, TX (October 2, 2007) – Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and V.P. of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Tuesday that the team has signed winger Paul Caponigri to a contract for the 2007-08 season. Per team policy, terms of the deal were undisclosed.

Caponigri, 28, will be entering his fourth full professional season, his first in the ECHL since 2005-06. Spending last season in the UHL, Caponigri tallied 12 goals and 15 assists while accumulating 93 PIM in 54 regular season games with Chicago and Kalamazoo.

Caponigri enjoyed a productive postseason with Kalamazoo, finding the back of the net three times and adding nine helpers (3g-9a-12) in 19 playoff games with the Wings.

“Paul was very good in the playoffs last season and is extremely determined to get back to the ECHL,†said Cameron, “He’s a good veteran player and we’re excited to have him.â€

Cameron’s ECHL coaching experience continues to pay dividends for the 2007-08 Wildcatters. He became familiar with the Oak Park, IL native while coaching against him for two seasons. He is well aware of the left-hander’s ability as an offensive weapon.

“Paul brings lots of offense to the table,†said Cameron, referencing Caponigri’s 91 career points (30g-61a) over two ECHL seasons with Atlantic City, Johnstown, and Idaho, “I had to coach against him for several seasons. He’s the type of player I’m certainly glad will be on our bench and not our opponents’.â€

The Texas Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild of the NHL and the AHL’s Houston Aeros. Celebrate the Catters’ Fifth Anniversary Season!  Single game and season tickets are on sale now, call (409) 915-5500. Don’t miss the Home Opener, Saturday, Oct. 27 v. the Florida Everblades!

Opening Day for the ECHL's 20th Anniversary Season will be Oct. 18 when the Johnstown Chiefs host the Wheeling Nailers in a rematch of Game 7 from the first-ever ECHL Finals.

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