CENTRAL HOCKEY LEAGUE SteelHounds sign veteran wing

Shawn Mamane is the latest addition to the Youngstown roster.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The SteelHounds expansion ice hockey team have signed left wing Shawn Mamane, a veteran of the Quebec Senior League, to a contract for the upcoming season.
"Shawn is a good two-way player that is competitive and gets involved physically in the play," SteelHounds coach Jean Laforest said. "He has a great deal of versatility that is demonstrated through his capacity to get involved offensively."
And he "still be depended on defensively and as well can take on a physical role when directed to," LaForest said.
"He has a reputation of being a strong team player that works hard and will be able to help build a positive team environment."
Played in Quebec League
Mamane, 26, played 42 games with the Verdun Dragons in the Quebec Senior League where he finished 10th on the club with 33 points (12 goals, 21 assists) despite missing a large portion of the season with an injury.
Playing alongside of Mamane were former National Hockey League players Eric Charron, Martin Brochu and Paul Brousseau.
Last fall, Mamane participated in training camp with the San Antonio Rampage, then the American Hockey League affiliate of the Florida Panthers.
"It is a great scenario to play for a new team in their inaugural season," Mamane said. "It is important to be a part of the foundation that is counted on to establish a successful franchise and I am looking forward to the challenge.
"The brand-new facility along with Coach Laforest and the team's ownership were so impressive that it was an easy decision," Mamane said.
Part of reality-based show
Last summer, Mamane was a part of the reality-based hockey show "Making the Cut" where he was one of 4,000 hopefuls chosen to participate in the show that consisted of 68 players vying for a professional tryout and contract.
Florida Panthers General Manager Mike Keenan and hockey legend Scotty Bowman were co-producers of the show that unfortunately for Mamane was cut short due to an ankle injury suffered in the third episode.
After signing a contract with the St. Louis Blues at the age of 20, the 6-0, 214-pound forward played in 55 American Hockey League games with the Blues affiliate, the Worcester IceCats.
Best season
His best professional season came during the 2003-04 campaign with Verdun where he finished the regular season with 14 goals and 20 assists and had a fine post-season totaling seven goals and 11 assists in 20 games helping the Dragons capture the QSMHL championship.
In his only stint in the Central Hockey League, the Montreal native dressed in eight games during the 2002-03 season with the Oklahoma City Blazers notching five points (two goals, three assists) in eight games.