Genève-Servette HC has issued two press releases on consecutive days to announce the signings of defenceman Paul Ranger and right winger Matt D'Agostini, both of whom played in the NHL last season.
Press Release
GENEVA - Swiss CHL club Genève-Servette has made a couple of solid additions to its roster, announcing the signings of defenceman Paul Ranger and right winger Matt D'Agostini.
"We are very pleased to announce the signing of Paul Ranger," said Chris McSorley, the Geneva club's part-owner, general manager and head coach on Thursday. "Paul is an extremely talented defenceman who will bring us, in addition to solid defence, a big boost offensively. Paul is a leader who works for the good of his team. I think he will gain the respect of our fans very quickly."
Ranger, 29, hails from Witby, Ontario and played junior hockey for the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2002 and stayed in the organisation until 2010 before leaving for personal reasons. Three years later, he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He's played 323 NHL games with the two clubs, scoring 24 goals and 82 assists for 104 points with 254 penalty minutes. This is his first time signing with a European team.
"I wish to thank Chris McSorley and all the staff of the Genève-Servette Hockey Club for the opportunity given me to join this team," said Ranger. "It's been a long time since I've been so excited to meet a new challenge, and I hope to live up to the expectations of our fans. "
Click here to view the full press release about Ranger in French on the Genève-Servette club website.
Then on Friday, the club announced the signing of 27-year-old right winger Matt D'Agostini, a native of Sault Ste-Marie, Ontario who played junior hockey for the Guelph Storm and 321 NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres.
"Matt D'Agostini is a player I very carefully followed last season," explained McSorley. "He has good speed and, in addition, is a true sniper, and he will no doubt be a threat to all defences in the NLA. All my sources, including some of his coaches, had only praise for his game, his involvement and attitude in the dressing room. In our discussions, Matt clearly designated Geneva as his preferred destination outside the NHL. We are pleased to welcome him and his family."
"I am very excited at the prospect of a new experience in Europe and especially in Geneva. I can't wait for the season to begin!" said D'Agostini. "My goal is clearly to serve the team by contributing as much as possible to the group's success. My family is also very happy to discover a new culture and is excited to join Geneva as soon as possible."
Updated to reflect the additional signing of D'Agostini.