Former NHLer Sean Avery signs a new pro contract at 41
Former NHLer Sean Avery is best known for his agitative and sometimes outrageous antics. On Wednesday, he announced that he has signed with the ECHL's Orlando Solar Bears in an attempt to rejuvenate his hockey career after a 10 year hiatus. He last skated in a professional hockey game in the 2011-2012 season with the New York Rangers and the AHL's Connecticut Whale playing a total of 22 games, registering 6 points and 60PIMs.
He was never known for his scoring abilities, but he was always an effective player in his own way. Avery found ways to get under the opponents skin that no one else would think of. Some of them were so unique the NHL had to create a rule and dubbed it "The Avery Rule" after he tried to screen Brodeur by facing him and waving his stick in his face during the 2008 playoffs (see the link below incase you forgot).
In a league that did not have many players willing to showcase their personalities during his career, Avery was one of the few that could always be counted on for a post game soundbite or in-game antic. He was one of those players, like Brad Marchand who players absolutely hated unless he was on your team.
Avery will begin his comeback on the Solar Bears reserve list, so it appears he is still a few weeks away from seeing any game action, but at 41, having a couple weeks to find his legs and get back into game shape is not a bad thing. With Avery signing in Orlando, it appears another former NHLer Matthew Barnaby will also be attempting a comeback as he tweeted out yesterday saying that he would sign with any team in the Solar Bears' division if they signed Avery. The 20-year-old rivalry between two of the leagues toughest and best agitators is alive and well and just maybe, fans will get to see them go at it one more time.
