N. Richland Hills, TX - The Texas Brahmas of the Central Hockey League (CHL) have filled two more roster spots as the pair from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Mark Carragher and Greg McConnell, return for the 2008-09 campaign.
Carragher, 24, returns to the Brahmas after coming off a successful rookie year. The feisty forward had 19 points (7 G, 12 A) in 63 games played in the regular season. In the post season, Carragher posted a +2 rating, tied for the best on the team.
Prior to joining the Brahmas, the 5-foot-8, 165 pound center played at the University of Southern Maine and collected 130 points (63 goals, 67 assists) in four seasons. Carragher set the single-season scoring record his senior year for the Huskies with 47 points. He was also named on the New England Hockey Writers ECAC East/NESCAC All-Star Team his senior year.
McConnell returns to the Brahmas for his second year looking to carry out his position as an enforcer. Last season the 24-year-old forward led the team in shooting percentage and notched 20 points (11 G, 9 A). McConnell became a clutch player as three of his 11 goals were game winners. In the playoffs the 6-foot-1, 219 pound bruiser had two goals, including the game winner in Game Two in the Mississippi series.
Before going pro, McConnell played four seasons at Bowdoin University of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). In his senior year, McConnell and the Huskies reached the NESCAC Championship for the third straight year. His collegiate career ended with 79 points (36 goals, 43 assists) in 98 games.
Head coach Dan Wildfong expects great things from the duo in 2008-09.
"It's nice to have Carragher and McConnell back on the roster, and we expect them to have breakout seasons next year. It is because of character players like these guys that we were as successful as we were last season," said Wildfong.
