Men’s Ice Hockey Players Powell, Carter and Pucci Sign Pro Deals
ELMIRA, N.Y. — The wave of Elmira College men’s ice hockey players continuing their careers in the professional ranks continues with the announcement of Connor Powell ’20, Spencer Carter ’20 and Andrew Pucci ’20 signing pro deals.
Powell, a former AHCA/CCM All-American and the 2019 UCHC Player of the Year, inked a contract with the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). Powell reunites with classmate Anthony Parrucci ’20, who signed with the Ice Flyers nearly two weeks ago.
Powell joined the Ice Flyers on Friday, March 6, and saw action in all three of their games over the past weekend. The Merrimack, New Hampshire, native’s professional career is off to a hot start, as he currently boasts five points on three goals and a pair of assists. In his second professional game against the Fayetteville Marksmen, Powell produced three points on two goals and an assist in Pensacola’s 7-2 win. Powell’s final goal of the night was a special one, as Parrucci was credited with the primary assist.
During his playing career with the Soaring Eagles, Powell was a force to be reckoned with on the ice. In 106 games, he amassed 141 points on 64 goals and 77 assists. His 141 points rank 19th in EC’s illustrious history. As a senior, Powell amassed 34 points (12g-22a) and collected All-UCHC First Team honors.
Carter and Pucci traveled just a few blocks south of the EC campus for their professional games, as the two seniors agreed to terms with the Elmira Enforcers of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL).
Carter, a hard-nosed, gritty defenseman, began his professional journey on February 28. In his pro debut, the product of Swisher, Iowa, produced two critical points to guide the Enforcers to a 6-4 victory over the Dansville Dashers at the First Arena in downtown Elmira. Carter assisted on the game-winning goal and scored an insurance goal to put the game out of reach. In total, Carter has played in three goals for the Enforcers.
In 78 career games with the Soaring Eagles, Carter finished with 18 points on two goals and 16 helpers. His best season statistically was his senior year, when he produced eight points on one goal and seven assists. Known for his rugged style of play, as evidenced by 116 career penalty minutes, Carter should bolster the Elmira Enforcer’s physical style of hockey.
Pucci joined Carter and the Enforcers on March 5 to open a two-game series against the Mentor Ice Breakers. Pucci adds speed and skill to the Enforcer lineup, which helped them earn back-to-back wins over the Ice Breakers to extend the team’s winning streak to nine games.
A native of Mississauga, Ontario, Pucci played a key role for the Purple and Gold over his four-year career. He saw plenty of ice time as a freshman and that trend continued throughout his career, as he exited EC with 27 points (6g-21a) in 87 games. He capped his senior season with a nine point effort on three goals and six assists.
