Tag Archives: Ryan Schnell

IceCaps ink Cisse, O’Neill, Schnell, and Riley

Posted on by

The St. John’s IceCaps have bolstered their squad with the signings of four players today.

NHL.com’s Patrick Williams reported earlier that the IceCaps have come to terms with Yasin Cisse, Will O’Neill, Blair Riley, and Ryan Schnell.

The deals — which can be assumed as one-year contracts, though terms have not been released — will see the IceCaps add both up front and on the back end. While Cisse and Riley will be in their first stints with the IceCaps, O’Neill and Schnell, both with the team last season, bring some familiarity back to the roster.

Cisse, who comes to the AHL after half a season in the QMJHL in 2012-13, was drafted by the then-Atlanta Thrashers in the fifth round of the 2010 draft. After spending two seasons with the NCAA’s Boston University, Cisse left BU halfway through 2012-13 to join the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. With the Armada, in 27 games, Cisse put up 14 points (8-6).

While never a standout offensive star, Cisse has a huge frame and has the potential to become a good depth power forward. At 6’3″ and 216, Cisse is a monster on skates and giving him time to develop in the AHL is the right move.

O’Neill, a 25-year-old blue liner from Salem, Mass., suited up for 59 games with the IceCaps last year, and tallied 21 points (3-18) over that span. During his four years at University of Maine, O’Neill was often a contributed from the back end, registering 101 points (19-82) in 141 games in the college ranks.

Schnell, who split time between the ECHL’s Colorado Eagles and the Jets top affiliate, will look to get his first full season of AHL action under his belt. While with the IceCaps last season, the 24-year-old used his massive frame to beat opponents around the rink. In 22 games, the 6’3″ forward racked up 57 PIM, and had another 105 PIM in just 12 games with the Eagles.

Riley, another tough customer, brings some leadership to the IceCaps by way of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. With the Tigers last season, Riley wore the ‘A’ while suiting up in 74 contests and amassing over 160 PIM and adding seven goals and eight assists.