Canfield native Paul DeJoe signs a deal to play with SteelHounds

He’s the first player in franchise history to come from the Youngstown area.

YOUNGSTOWN — Canfield native Paul DeJoe, who played last year in Europe, has signed a contract with the Youngstown SteelHounds for the 2007-08 season.

DeJoe, 24, is a 5-foot-7, 175-pound forward who last season played in the Belgian Elite League, where he had seven goals and 18 assists in 42 games.

He played two seasons at Canfield High before transferring to Lakewood St. Edward for one season, and was team captain for three seasons at Neumann College, a NCAA Division III program in Aston, Pa.

“We’ve had Paul on our radar for sometime now,” said SteelHounds general manager Joe Gregory. “I’m glad we are able to bring him back home to play. It will be exciting to see a hometown guy wearing our sweater this season.”

DeJoe is the first player in franchise history to come from the Youngstown area and joins Bethel Park, Pa., native Denis Kirstein as regional prospects with the SteelHounds this season.

Exciting player

SteelHounds coach Kevin Kaminski said DeJoe can bring some excitement to the team.

“We look forward to seeing what Paul can do to crack the lineup. It’s always special to play in front of your hometown. I’m sure he’ll do whatever it takes to stick, and that’s the type of players I’m looking for.”

The SteelHounds play host to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the East Coast Hockey League in an exhibition game Oct. 12 at the Chevrolet Centre. Tickets are on sale for $5 and can be purchased by calling (330) 747-PUCK.

The SteelHounds’ regular season home opener is Nov. 23 against defending Northeast Division champion Bossier-Shreveport.