Tomassetti returning to Sabres

The Fort Frances Jr. Sabres have brought back a big piece of the offensive puzzle for the 2008/09 season.
Alessio Tomassetti returns to the fold, and is the highest point-getter from a season ago currently signed to a contract.
The Sabres’ top two scorers from their inaugural season—Quinn Amiel and Mike Ainsworth—no longer are in the team’s future having taken opportunities elsewhere.
Tomassetti had 12 goals and 37 assists for 49 points in 43 games last season, and also added 70 minutes in penalties.
“He came in as a rookie last season and played like a vet,” Sabres’ head coach Wayne Strachan said. “His offensive awareness makes him a threat whenever he is on the ice.
“I know he is anxious to get back here and start playing,” Strachan added. “He has been working hard over the off-season on his strength and conditioning, and should be ready to have a good season.”
Meanwhile, with their rookie camp just a week away, the Sabres also have re-signed two defencemen from last year’s squad.
Tyler Hodges and Will Morrisseau both return for their second season in the black-and-red, and will be expected to carry some of the load from the back end.
Hodges was acquired at mid-season last year and produced six points in 20 games.
“Tyler came in and was one of our top four defenceman as an 18-year-old rookie,” Strachan said. “He played in all aspects of the game for us and proved to be solid defensively, as well.
“We will look for Tyler to improve on his season and continue to work hard to become a better player as he should be settled in this new environment now,” Strachan added.
Morrisseau is a local product of Couchiching First Nation.
“Will was one of our pleasant surprises at camp last season,” Strachan enthused. “If we had a team award for most improved player from day one of the season last year, Will would’ve got a lot of votes.
“Will has worked very hard over the summer to gain strength and show the coaching staff he wants to be a mainstay on defence for us this season.
“There isn’t a day that goes by that a Sabre fan doesn’t say to me I saw Morrisseau running or training,” Strachan remarked.
The Sabres’ rookie camp runs Aug. 8-10. For a fee of $50, you get four on-ice sessions and one off-ice workout.