NORFOLK, VA. – The Norfolk Admirals, proud new ECHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators, announced their second player signing of the 2017-18 season on Saturday, inking Alex Pompeo to a standard player contract.
Pompeo, 24, returns to Hampton Roads after dressing 39 games for the Admirals in 2016-17. Naturally a defenseman, Pompeo was signed on November 24 after a successful beginning to the campaign with the Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League.
“I absolutely love this community. Playing at Scope and living in Virginia Beach is amazing,” Pompeo said as his first reason for re-signing. “I love playing for Coach Ftorek, too. I’ve learned so much from him in hockey and life during my time here.”
A surplus on the blue line forced Coach Ftorek to ask Hingham, MA native to make the transition to forward around the holidays, where he would become a mainstay with linemates Ben Murphy and Paul Rodrigues.
Just days into his tenure up front, Pompeo’s first career ECHL goal came on New Year’s Eve in Manchester, a deflection on a shot from the point by Frankie Simonelli.
Injuries unfortunately shortened Alex’s season, participating in his last game on February 25 vs. Greenville.
“It was tough because I had never been injured before, but I will be 100% come October. My surgery went great and physical therapy at Bay State has been nothing but positive. I am without a doubt ready physically for 2017-18 season.”
Alex and the Admirals will open the season in Idaho on October 13 and their first game at Scope is slated for Friday, October 27.
Season memberships and are on sale now and start as low $500 for 36 games at Norfolk Scope Arena.
Partial season ticket plans are also on sale now and start as low as $96. Memberships can be purchased by contacting the Admirals at 757-640-1212 or on norfolkadmirals.com.
ECHL DEBUT: November 24, 2016 @ Atlanta
FIRST ECHL POINT: December 9, 2016 @ Manchester (Assist)
FIRST ECHL GOAL: December 31, 2016 @ Manchester
FIRST ECHL FIGHT: January 13, 2017 @ Greenville
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