ELITE LEAGUE ICE HOCKEY: Forward Vinny Scarsella has become the latest player to sign for Manchester Storm for the 2015-16 season.

The 25-year-old American, who was born in New York, has experience of playing in Europe to go with three seasons in the East Coast Hockey League.

Scarsella played NCAA college hockey for Canisius College for four years where he racked up 133 points in 144 matches.

His first taste of professional hockey came in 2010-11 when he iced eight times for Elmira Jackals in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).

Scarsella spent a season in Germany and a year in Sweden and his points production continued to be around a point-per-game or better.

He then returned to the ECHL in 2013-14 and played 101 games for Utah Grizzlies over a two-year spell.

The right-handed shot forward also iced 33 times for Stockton Thunder, scoring 30 points (8+22) in 33 matches.

Storm player-coach, Omar Pacha, said: "Vinny is a high skill guy with explosive speed and a great vision.

"Every shift, he is always a threat for the opposition. He is a versatile player who can play all three positions up front.

"He is very well liked by his team-mates and is always the hardest working guy on the team. He competes hard every night and is a team-first type of guy.”

Scarsella added: “I am very excited to join the Storm this season. I cannot wait to get to Manchester to meet the fans and to see the city.

"With all of the guys that they have signed so far, I know that the staff are putting together a team that will compete for a championship this year.

"With all of the excitement surrounding the team, it is making me even more eager to get to Manchester and to start the season.”