AHL: Charlotte Checkers Sign Four

The Charlotte Checkers announced they’ve signed four players to a one-year, one-way AHL contract. Those players are forward Will Bitten, defensemen Mitch Vande Sompel, Luca Fantilli, and goalie Vinnie Purpura,

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The Players

Bitten spent last season in the KHL. He had 21 points on ten goals and 11 assists. He was a -18. Bitten last played in the AHL in 2023-24 with the Springfield Thunderbirds. He had 33 points in 68 games on 17 goals and 16 assists and was a -21.

Vande Sompel played in 36 games for the Checkers this season, recording 11 points on four goals and seven assists. He was a +14. This was his third season with Charlotte, where in 65 games he has 18 points on seven goals and 11 assists, and he’s a +29.

Fantilli appeared in 40 games for Michigan this season, recording 17 points on four goals and 13 assists. He was a+29. He was an assistant captain for the Wolverines. This was his fourth and final season at Michigan. He appeared in 147 games and had 38 points on eight goals and 30 assists. Fantilli was a +40 during that time.

Purpura appeared in 36 games with the Savannah Ghost Pirates, going 19-17-0 with a .910 save percentage, a 2.79 goals-against average, and two shutouts. He also appeared in three games with the Reading Royals. He went 3-0-0 with a 0.99 goals-against average and a .967 save percentage.