The Spectrum

Issue date: 9/29/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: The Spectrum/TRAVIS FLYNN Jason Smith is the latest in an emerging line of great SHU goalies

Former Pioneer goaltender Eddie Fehri returned to his native France for the 2005-06 season, signing a contract with the Anglet Hormadi of France's top division.

This is Ferhi's second professional contract since leaving SHU.

After his senior year, he earned a two year, two-way contract with the NHL's Anaheim Mighty Ducks.

In 2003-04, he went 2-12 for Anaheim's affiliate, the Cincinatti Mighty Ducks

In 2004-05, he recovered from a torn ACL to play in 30 games for the San Diego Gulls of the East Coast Hockey League. He went 13-13 with a 2.94 goals against average.

"Ferhi was one of the best goaltenders I ever played with," said Rocco Molinaro (Dearborn, Mich), center for the Pioneers and assistant captain for the 2005-06 season.

"He was so focused some nights, you just knew there was no way he was going to let anything in," he said.

Ferhi has already made his presence felt for Anglet. He won his first start of the year Sept. 20, defeating Morzine-Avoriaz 4-3 in overtime.

During the game, Ferhi also picked up an assist.

The Pioneers have their last two starters playing professional hockey. Earlier this month, Kevin Lapointe signed a pro deal and attended the Detroit Red WIngs' training camp.

The current goaltender, Jason Smith (St. Lambert, QC), will now be called upon to carry most of the season's workload.

Smith is a New Jersey Devils draft pick.

"We have a great goalie in Jason Smith," Hannah said. "Jason's been given a couple big games and he's performed well, and we're really excited that he has the position now."

With former players moving on, and current players performing above expectations, the Pioneers' goaltending situation looks solid for years to come.

"To have guys move on to bigger programs definitely helps us to go out and recruit the next one," Hannah said.

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