Paul Zanette skating in Blackhawks training camp

Courtesy of Niagara Athletic Communications

CHICAGO - Niagara men's hockey alum Paul Zanette ('11) has been invited to the 2011-12 Chicago Blackhawks Training Camp, which starts on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the United Center.

Zanette, who recently signed a deal with Chicago's American Hockey League affiliate, the Rockford Icehogs, will be participating in the training camp in hopes of making the Blackhawks roster. The 2010-11 Hobey Baker Top-10 Finalist will be skating with the likes of Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews.

Zanette had a career senior season for the Purple Eagles. The Nobleton, Ont. native scored a career-high 29 goals, 26 assists and 55 points; the 55-point total ties Joe Tallari ('04) for most points in a single-season by a Niagara player. 

The 2010-11 Second Team All-American in the East was named Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) Player of the Year to become the fifth Purple Eagle to earn a conference player of the year award. The former Purple Eagle was also named a United States College Hockey Online (USCHO.com) Third Team All-Star. 

After completing his standout career at Niagara, Zanette signed with the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs in March where he scored three goals in 18 games as they advanced to the Western Conference Finals of the 2011 Calder Cup.