Caponigri, a fifth-year professional, has played for seven different franchises in the East Coast Hockey League during his 160-game ECHL career. In addition, the Oak Park, Illinois native played 54 games in the UHL during the 2006-07 season. Before starting his professional career, Caponigri spent four years at Ohio State University, where he was the team's leading scorer during his senior season (2003-04).

"(Caponigri) is an experienced guy, and was a top scorer in the collegiate ranks at Ohio State University," said Gorillas Head Coach Tom Coolen. "He scored in the 50-point range twice in the ECHL, and will be an excellent player for the Gorillas in the Central Hockey League."

The former Omaha Lancer junior standout will also serve as one of Coolen's two player assistants in 2008-09. Caponigri will bring experience to the Gorillas, having played in over 200 career games in the ECHL and UHL combined, and has scored 43 goals in the two leagues since 2004.

"He struggled a little bit last year with injuries, but he's healed up and ready to go for this next season," Coolen said of his newest assistant. "Signing him is a big step forward for the team and he will do well in Amarillo."

While he may be best known for his scoring prowess, Caponigri has proven his willingness to play a physical brand of hockey. With the ECHL's Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies in 2004-05, he racked up 114 penalty minutes in 70 games. Just one year later, he again racked up his share of PIM's, with 97 in 66 contests.

The former Buckeye has also seen his share of playing time in crucial games. From 2005 to 2007, Caponigri played in 28 playoff games in the EHCL and UHL. During his collegiate days, he was named the MVP of the CCHA Super Six Championship in 2003-04, as Ohio State won the league championship.