FINNERTY SIGNS WITH EIHL TEAM
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Bloomington PrairieThunder officials announced Monday that center Ryan Finnerty has signed a contract with the Cardiff Devils of the British Elite League in the EIHL.
“While we’re disappointed to see Ryan leave, we can’t begrudge a guy for improving his financial situation,” said PrairieThunder coach Jarrod Skalde. “I’m not totally surprised because when you sign a guy who has played in Europe for five years, you always know there’s the possibility for them to go back.
“I know Ryan has had other offers from teams over there this year that he turned down, but this one was just too good. We will miss Ryan because he was a big part of our success in the beginning of the season, but we will move on. We wish him nothing, but the best.”
Finnerty had four goals and 10 assists for 14 points, which ranked fourth best on the team, in 15 games. He missed four games with a fractured orbital bone before returning to the ice in the team’s last game Friday at Flint.
He echoed Skalde’s remarks concerning his offer from Cardiff.
“I had other offers that I turned down, but I just couldn’t walk away from this one,” said Finnerty. “When I signed with Bloomington I had no intention of not finishing the season here. The fact that I’ve played in that league the last few years was a factor. Cardiff knows what type of player they are getting.
“I really enjoyed my time in Bloomington. My wife and I are not overly excited about leaving, but we have to do what’s best for us. Bloomington is a class organization from top to bottom and the guys in the room are great. ”
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