Italy calling for Sparre

COLUMBIA , SC- With no hockey in 2008-09 for the Columbia Inferno (ECHL), the exodus of players continues. The latest player to find new club is left winger Daniel Sparre. Coming off an incredible season with the Inferno the Brampton, Ontario native has set his playing scope further than most, heading to Italy to play for Seria A side Sport Ghiaccio Pontebba. After finishing the 2007-08 regular season with 28 goals and 26 assists the 24 year old sniper finished second in points behind Jeff Miles. A good playoff run ending with a 3-2 series loss to South Carolina Stingrays saw Sparre`s playoff points finish with 11 including seven goals and four assists. Sparre has continued to post good number`s right through his career since his first season in the OPJHL. Three seasons in the QMJHL split between Victoriaville Tigres and Halifax Mooseheads saw the left winger

score on average 30 goals a season and setting a career high points total of 76 in his final year with the Mooseheads. Sparre started the 2005-06 season in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf pack icing in 37 games scoring just six goals before being sent to the ECHL with the Charlotte Checkers, finishing the season with another six goals.   Seeming to find his level, Sparre has since carved out a career in the ECHL icing with Texas Wildcatters before joining South Division rivals Columbia Inferno for the 2007-08 season. Although the occasional call up to the AHL with Springfield Falcons and the Albany River Rats throughout the season, Sparre failed to make an impact in his seven games and soon returned to the Inferno.  Despite the bad news that followed the Inferno through the latter part of the season, Sparre did see a happy ending to the season when Mann acquired Sparre`s younger brother Kris.  Playing in Europe will be a first for Sparre, who will look to use his speed and puck handling to full effect on the larger ice surfaces of Italy. Contact the author at  Kevin.oconnor@prohockeynews.com