Utah Grizzlies sign forward Colavecchia, de..

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The Utah Grizzlies announced Monday that the team has signed forward Michael Colavecchia and defenseman Connor Hardowa for the 2014-2015 season.

Colavecchia starts his pro career after four seasons at the Rochester Institute of Technology where he totaled 44 goals and 66 assists for 110 points in 140 games. He left the school fifth all-time in scoring.

The Ontario native totaled 24 goals and 35 assists for 59 points in 66 games during his junior and senior seasons. He led the Tigers in scoring this past season and was second in goals and third in scoring in 2012-2013 despite missing six games injured.

"Mike is an offensive threat every time he is on the ice," said Grizzlies coach Tim Branham. "His ability to make plays, especially on the power-play is unmatched. I am looking forward to helping him transition to the pro game."

Hardowa, 25, played this past season in Europe after playing two games with the AHL's Abbotsford Heat in 2012-2013 after completing four years of college at the University of New Hampshire where he was captain during his senior season. He was a two-time member of the Hockey-East All Academic Team.

"Connor is a very good skating d-man who moves the puck well," said Branham. "He will add much needed offense from our back end."

The Grizzlies open the 2014-2015 regular season at Maverik Center against the Idaho Steelheads on Friday, October 17 at 7 p.m.

Utah Grizzlies sign forward Colavecchia, defenseman Hardowa