Prolific ECHL rookie joins Edinburgh

Canadian forward Mike Cazzola has signed for Edinburgh Capitals on a two-year deal.

Cazzola joins the Capitals after enjoying a hugely successful first season with Fort Wayne Komets in the East Coast Hockey League.

The 26-year-old was the top point scoring rookie in the ECHL with 30 goals and 46 assists in 67 games.

Cazzola will combine playing for the Capitals with enrolment at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to coming over. I have been in touch with the Capitals for over a year and I can’t say enough about how good they have been to work with.

“They’ve really helped me line up my move and with Queen Margaret University – I want to thank them.

“I’ve heard great things about the club and city, and obviously I’m aware of Head Coach Dmitri Khristich and the plans for the club.

“I’m looking to make an immediate impact on the ice for the club and with the fans. I can’t wait to get started and am excited to meet my teammates and the Capitals fans.”

Capitals’ co-owner Scott Neil added: “We’ve been tracking Mike since last summer and keeping in contact.

“I’d have liked him to be part of last year’s roster – I think he was part of the ingredient that was missing.

“His ECHL statistics last season show you what he brings to a hockey club.

“Dmitri and I are excited to have added an intelligent, highly-skilled, proven point scoring forward to the roster at this early stage of our recruitment process.”