Former Bears captain Viola to made his pro debut with Peoria Rivermen.
Peoria Rivermen head coach Jean-Guy Trudel has announced that the team has
signed winger Matt Viola to an Southern Professional Hockey League
contract.
Viola, 25, attended training camp with the Rivermen in October and
appeared in both exhibition games against the Bloomington Thunder. He was
released October 20.
A native of Toronto, Viola spent the last four years at State University
of New York at Potsdam. Over 83 collegiate games, the 6’0, 195-pound left
wing recorded 45 points (12g, 37a) along with 85 penalty minutes. Last
season, he notched a career-high five goals and 15 assists for 20 points
as a senior.
Prior to his college career, Viola played four seasons in the Ontario
Junior Hockey League from 2005-2009.
