BROOKLYN – The New York Islanders announced today that Stephen Gionta has agreed on a one-year, two-way (NHL/AHL) contract.
Gionta, 33, has played seven games this season for the Islanders American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and has a goal and two assists.
Last season, Gionta scored 11 points (1 goal, 10 assists) and played all 82 regular season games with the New Jersey Devils. The Rochester, NY native finished fourth on the Devils in penalty minutes with 43.
Since making his NHL debut in 2010, Gionta has posted 50 points (15 goals, 35 assists) and 93 penalty minutes in 270 regular season games, all with New Jersey. Gionta added seven points (three goals, four assists) in 24 Stanley Cup Playoff games during his lone post-season appearance in 2011-12, helping the Devils reach the Stanley Cup Final.
Prior to his NHL career, Gionta spent five seasons in the AHL with the Lowell Devils and Albany River Rats, collecting 146 points (63 goals, 83 assists) in 374 games. While in Albany, Gionta set a club record with 371 games played, ranked fourth all time in goals and third in assists and points.
Gionta played four seasons at Boston College, where he scored 90 points (33 goals, 57 assists) in 151 games. While at Boston College, Gionta helped the Eagles advance to two NCAA Frozen Four Tournaments, including an appearance in the 2006 National Championship game. He helped the Eagles win three straight regular-season Hockey East Championships (2003, 2004, 2005), adding the playoff conference championship during his junior season (2005).
Internationally, Gionta won a Bronze medal with Team USA at the 2013 World Championships (Sweden & Finland), scoring three goals in 10 games. Gionta scored two goals in six games while representing Team USA at the 2001 U18 World Junior Championships (Helsinki).
