Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Vannelli retiring?

From the Wheeling News Register:
"[Wheeling Nailers coach Glenn] Patrick said defenseman Mike Vanelli left the team last week, and he believes he's decided to give up hockey and use his education to his advantage."


Vannelli of course was drafted by the Thrashers (4th round in 2003), and declined to sign a contract with the organization this summer after graduating from the Univ of Minnesota, wishing to test the free-agent market. He ended up signing with the AHL Philadelphia Phantoms, and was assigned to their ECHL affiliate in Wheeling.


This article was a little hard to find because Vannelli's name was spelled wrong in the article. He only played two games for Wheeling, not enough for the paper to get him straightened out yet. A few days ago he was officially recalled to the Phantoms, but he then wasn't listed on the roster so it was likely a paper transaction to get him off Wheeling's roster.


This is a story where I'd be really interested to hear everyone's comments (whether you've seen him play or not). Just click below to make a comment.

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