Texas Brahmas re-sign two forwards

Mark Carragher and Greg McConnell to return for the 2008-09 campaign

The Texas Brahmas have announced that forwards Mark Carragher and Greg McConnell have re-signed for the 2008-09 season. Both players are entering their second year pro after a successful rookie season.

"It's nice to have Carragher and McConnell back on the roster, and we expect them to have breakout seasons next year," said Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong. "It is because of character players like these guys that we were as successful as we were last season."

Mark Carragher joined the Brahmas after four years at the University of Southern Maine. The 24-year-old native of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island served as team captain his senior year and led the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) East in scoring with 37 points (18 g, 19 a) in 19 league games. Carragher racked up a school record 47 points (22 g, 25 a) in 26 games, and became the program's all-time leading scorer. He set or tied seven school single-season or career records during the campaign. Carragher led the Huskies in goals, assists and power-play goals (12), and was one of the top penalty killers in the league. He was also named on the New England Hockey Writers ECAC East/NESCAC All-Star Team. He tallied 130 points (63 g, 67 a) in 104 games played during his college career.

The 5-foot-8, 165 pound center had 19 points (7 g, 12 a) in 63 games played in the regular season with the Brahmas. In the post season, Carragher played in 12 games and posted a +2 rating, tied for the best on the team.

Greg McConnell, also a 24-year-old native of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, joined the Brahmas after four years at Bowdoin College, playing in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). In his senior year, McConnell and the Polar Bears reached the NESCAC Championship for the third straight year. He notched 79 points (36 goals, 43 assists) in 98 games played in his college career.

McConnell led the Brahmas in shooting percentage and tallied 20 points (11 g, 9 a) in 51 games played. McConnell became a clutch player as three of his 11 goals were game winners. In the playoffs, the 6-foot-1, 219 pound forward played in 12 games and scored three points (2 g, 1 a), including the game winning goal in the second game in the series against the Mississippi RiverKings.

Photo Credit: Texas Brahmas