Spencerport's Paolini makes AHL debut, named All-Star

Spencerport native Sam Paolini received an early Christmas present when he was signed to a one-day American Hockey League contract with the Cleveland Barons and made his AHL regular season debut at the Blue Cross Arena against Rochester December 23. The stocking stuffer was a third period assist he picked up in a 3-0 Cleveland win.

"Even though it was against Rochester, it was nice playing my first AHL game in Rochester in front of my friends and family - it was a nice experience. I just wanted to take advantage of the shifts I got and try to be a positive influence out there every time I got on the ice."

Paolini was home for the holiday break from his regular team, Atlantic City in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), when he got the call from the Barons due to an illness on the team. The puck from his first point was given to him by his teammates and now resides at the Paolini home in Spencerport.

On the same afternoon, Paolini gave a talk at Gates Chili High School about dreams and never knowing when an opportunity will come. "Everything I spoke about with them happened to me the same day. Bide your time and your opportunity will come - it made for a real good Christmas."

The Cornell graduate also was named to the ECHL All-Star team and Rookie-of-the-Month for October. He was in training camp with the Rochester Americans and played in a home exhibition game but was released before signing with Atlantic City.

"I'm very happy about today and at the same time it makes me want to stay at this level. I'm very lucky to get the call today and even luckier to get a point and help the team win. This gives me confidence knowing that I can play at this level and I'll take that back with me and hopefully be back sometime soon."