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West Valley City • The Utah Grizzlies signed forward Johnnie Searfoss and defenseman Kevin Ryan for the upcoming season, coach and general manager Tim Branham announced Friday.
Searfoss, 24, is from Nebraska-Omaha. He played two games for the Grizzlies last season and attended the Dallas Stars Prospect Camp during the summer. In 140 games at UNO, he scored 27 goals and had 30 assists.
"We are pleased to have Johnnie back," Branham said. "… We look forward to him having a big impact this season."
Ryan, 24, played eight games with the South Carolina Stingrays last season after finishing his collegiate career at Niagara. He has one goal and two assists.
"Kevin got a little taste of pro hockey at the end of last season," said Branham. "His offensive ability and work ethic make him a great addition to our [defensive] core."
The Grizzlies open the ECHL season on Oct. 17 against the Idaho Steelheads at Maverik Center.