River Rats sign Gionta

The Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League today announced the signing of right wing Brian Gionta.

Gionta, 26, most recently skated for the U.S. National Select team that won the 2004 Deutschland Cup in Hannover, Germany, back on November 14, 2004. He finished third in tournament scoring by posting four goals and one assist for five points in four games.

The Rochester, N.Y., native was drafted by the New Jersey Devils with their fourth choice (82nd overall) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft and began his professional career by totaling 25 (9-16) points in 37 games for the River Rats during the 2001-02 campaign.

He shows 37 goals and 28 assists for 65 points in 166 National Hockey League games with the Devils. The 5-7, 175-pound right wing placed second on New Jersey with 21 goals during the 2003-04 season and was a member of the Devils’ 2003 Stanley Cup Championship squad.