Dundee Stars forward Fabrizio Ricci has departed the club by mutual consent.
Ricci, who first played for Dundee in 2018-19, returned to the Stars this offseason and was named captain by new head coach Jeff Mason.
The Canadian notched 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 21 appearances in all competitions this term and departs with the Stars ninth in the table.
When asked about the 27-year-old’s exit, Mason said: “Obviously, this was not an easy decision for either party to make, but I feel that it is a good opportunity for both the club and Fab to move in a different direction. I think very highly of Fab and want to thank him for his commitment to the club and wish him nothing but success in the future.
Analysis: Fabrizio Ricci’s departure leaves a hole in Dundee Stars offence
Fabrizio Ricci received a positive reception when it was announced that he had inked a one-year contract to return to the Dundee Stars this summer.
In his previous stint with the club, the Toronto-born forward notched 42 points (18 goals, 24 assists) in 67 appearances in all competitions and was expected to play a prominent role under incumbent head coach Jeff Mason. However, his offensive production fell flat this season and caused both parties to conclude that a mid-year split was for the best.
Between his first and second spell in Dundee, Ricci spent three seasons in the ECHL with the Wichita Thunder and Orlando Solar Bears. In his final year in North America’s third-tier, he recorded 13 points (five goals, eight assists) and 27 penalty minutes in 54 appearances. It remains to be seen whether he will return to the ECHL or seek another opportunity in Europe.
Now, the Stars must focus on recruiting an adequate replacement to play in their top-six. They must act quickly, with the race for the playoffs intensifying after Malcolm Cameron’s departure from the Glasgow Clan.
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