Iannucci back to Wings after year off with injury

The Wings yesterday signed forward Athan Iannucci to a 1-year deal. Iannucci, the NLL's single-season goal-scoring record holder, returns to the team after missing the 2010 season with a knee injury.

"Athan is extremely anxious to get back on the floor with his teammates," said Wings owner Michael French. "He is in superior physical shape and looks like the Athan of old in our exhibitions in Buffalo and Ontario. His teammates, coaches, management and ownership are thrilled to see him back in the Wings lineup and look forward to watching him this season."

Iannucci played in 10 games for the Wings in 2009, recording 37 points (23 goals, 14 assists). In 2008, he set the single-season goal record, with 71 in 16 regular-season games. The Wings drafted him in the first round (eighth overall) in 2006 out of Hofstra.

The Wings open the 2011 season on Jan. 8, hosting the Boston Blazers at the Wells Fargo Center.

"I am personally thrilled with the roster upgrades made throughout the process," said coach John Tucker. "We have overhauled our roster and have become much younger and more talented."

Besides Iannucci, other key returning players are veteran John Christmas; Bill McGlone (19 goals, 16 assists in 2010); David Mitchell (seven goals, 16 assists); and Drew Westervelt, the righthanded forward who racked up 72 points (32 goals, 40 assists) and 87 loose balls in 2010.