Ferraro twins working to stay in pro hockey

By PAUL BETIT, Portland Press Herald Writer

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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After 13 professional seasons, the Ferraro twins are not ready to stop playing hockey.

The New York Islanders signed Peter Ferraro to a one-year contract Monday. Terms of the deal were not announced.

"I'm signing with the New York Islanders with the hopes I can go to training camp and make an impression," Ferraro said in a telephone interview.

"For the most part, I'm going to go in and play hard and provide whatever leadership I can provide to the organization."

Ferraro said he was ready to accept a job with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL, the Islanders' top minor-league affiliate.

"Wherever I may land, I'll be very satisfied with," he said.

Ferraro's twin brother, Chris, said he still hopes to sign a professional contract before NHL teams open training camp next month.

"I'm really delighted, happy and proud that my brother is with the New York Islanders organization," he said. "My objective is do exactly what my brother did: sign with a team and go to training camp."

The Ferraros helped the University of Maine capture its first NCAA hockey championship in 1993.

Since turning pro in 1994, they have followed nearly parallel paths through the NHL, AHL and European elite leagues.

Peter Ferraro's professional career includes playing with the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals in the NHL and Binghamton, Hartford, Providence, Portland, Springfield and Syracuse in the AHL.

Chris Ferraro has played in the NHL for the Rangers, Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, Islanders and Caps. In the AHL, he has played for Binghamton, Hamilton, Chicago, Providence, Albany, Portland, Springfield and Syracuse.

During the NHL's lockout season in 2003-04, the brothers played 12 games for Sodertalje SK in the Swedish elite league before finishing the AHL season with the Syracuse Crunch.

The Ferraros, who are 33, spent last season playing for the DEG Metro Stars in the German elite league.

"The European experience has done us well," Peter Ferraro said. "We both learned a lot."

The Ferraros, who were born in Port Jefferson, N.Y., have been skating this summer at the Islanders' training facility in Syosset, N.Y.

"Obviously with the rule changes, (the NHL) suits our style of play," Peter Ferraro said. "There is a place for the small guy in hockey."

Peter is a right wing listed at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, and Chris is a center at 5-9 and 175.

In 74 NHL games, Peter has seven goals and nine assists. In 2001, he was MVP of the AHL playoffs after scoring four goals and five assists to lead Providence to its first Calder Cup.

In 92 NHL games, Chris has seven goals and nine assists.

Staff Writer Paul Betit can be contacted at 725-8795 or at: