Former Lehigh Valley Phantoms defenseman Gianfranco Cassaro has signed a one-year deal with the ECHL's Florida Everblades, it was announced last week.
Hailing from Nobleton, Ont., Cassaro split time last season between the Phantoms and the ECHL's Reading Royals. While he went pointless in one AHL game, Cassaro scored 13 goals and added 25 assists for 38 points in 66 ECHL regular-season games. With the Royals having made the playoffs, Cassaro went pointless in two further games.
Before making the transition to the pro game last season, Cassaro spent five years in the NCAA with UMass and RIT. Across 157 career games, he accumulated 36 goals and 45 assists for 81 points.
While he only has one season of pro hockey on his side, Cassaro proved he could be a difference maker at the ECHL level. As he continues to gain more experience, he will likely get more looks in the AHL and could be a potential full-time option down the road.