Ex-Rocket defenceman signs with Bern

Marc-Andre Gragnani in action with the Buffalo Sabres.

Former P.E.I. Rocket defenceman Marc-Andre Gragnani has signed with Bern of the National League 'A' in Germany today.

The 27-year-old, Montreal, Que. native played four seasons with the P.E.I. Rocket from 2003-2007. In 256 career regular-season QMJHL games with the Rocket, Gragnani scored 50 goals and 193 points, while picking up 223 penalty minutes.

After his playing time in the QMJHL, Gragnani played six seasons in the American Hockey League with the Rochester Americans, Portland Pirates and the Charlotte Checkers. He amassed 50 goals and 234 points in 325 career regular-season AHL games. He was awarded the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL's Best Defenceman in 2010-11 while playing for the Portland Pirates. The same year, Gragnani led the league in points by a defenceman with 60.

Gragnani has also spent his fair share of time in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes, scoring three goals and 18 points in 75 career NHL games.

Last season, Gragnani played with HC Lev Praha of the KHL scoring two goals and nine points in 42 games.