The Canisius College hockey team added four players during the April signing period, inking forwards David Parrottino (Rochester Hills, Mich.) and Mike Sabatini (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.), defender David Bennett (Ottawa, Ontario) and goaltender Reilly Turner (Temiscaming, Quebec) to National Letters of Intent, announced by head coach Dave Smith on Friday.
“Our program is excited about the entire incoming class,” Smith said. “We feel this class brings players that are great teammates with a lot of on-ice skill and off-ice character. It is a diverse group that will have the opportunity to make an immediate difference in our lineup.”
Parrottino appeared in 56 games with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL during the 2013-14 campaign, totaling 32 points, nine goals and 23 assists. He also played 20 games in the NAHL during the 2012-13 season with 15 points, four goals and 11 assists. The Rochester Hills, Mich. native is a current teammate of defender Zack Pittman, who signed his NLI to play for the Griffs in November.
Named the Team MVP of the NAHL’s Soo Eagles this past season, Sabatini led the team with 41 points, 19 goals and 22 assists during the 2013-14 campaign. The Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. native was also selected to the 2014 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament as a member of the North Division. In his two seasons with the Eagles, Sabatini totaled 58 points on 24 goals and 34 assists.
Bennett earned second-team CCHL All-Star accolades during the 2013-14 season with the Cumberland Grads. He ranked sixth in the league in scoring among defensemen, totaling 37 points, 11 goals and 26 assists from the blue line. Bennett was also invited to the Canada East selection camp for the 2013 World Junior A Challenge and competed in the Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge.
A teammate of Bennett’s with the Cumberland Grads, Turner anchored the team’s defense from the goaltending position. He posted a .909 save percentage and 3.24 goals against average in 44 games during the 2013-14 campaign, ranking second in the CCHL with 1,317 saves. In his two seasons with the Grads, Turner posted a .900 save percentage and 3.55 goals against average.
The four players join early signees Pittman and forwards Jeff Murray, Ryan Schmelzer andNolan Sheeran as freshmen on the 2014-15 Canisius roster. The eight newcomers join 18 returning letterwinners from a team that advanced to its second-straight Atlantic Hockey Championship in 2014.
