Cianfrini joins Beast

BRAMPTON, Ontario - The Brampton Beast, ECHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, announced that the club has signed rugged two-way defenseman Paul Cianfrini to a contract for the 2017-18 season.

The 28-year-old Dundas, Ontario native split the 2016-17 season between DVTK Jegesmedvék in Hungary's top professional league, as well as the ECHL's Norfolk Admirals.

No stranger to the ECHL, Cianfrini started in the league in 2011-12 with the Toledo Walleye and has since amassed 319 games of regular season play with the Wheeling Nailers, Trenton Titans and Norfolk Admirals.

His best season in the ECHL came just two seasons ago in 2015-16 when he helped the Wheeling Nailers to the Kelly Cup Finals. In 71 regular season contests, he netted 22 points (3-19a) before adding another seven points (1g-6a) in 24 playoff games.

Prior to turning pro, Cianfrini enjoyed a successful Ontario Hockey League junior career from 2006-10, suiting up for 252 OHL games with the Belleville Bulls and Erie Otters and notching 55 points (9g-46a) and 188 penalty minutes.

Following his junior career, Cianfrini spent two seasons with Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario and immediately found success, appearing in 53 games and recording 36 points (7g-29a) while earning CIS (OUA East) All-rookie Team status in 2010-11 along the way.