Cristiano Simonetta Joins ECHL’s Savannah Ghost Pirates
September 12, 2022 – United States Hockey League (USHL) – Lincoln Stars News Release
The Lincoln Stars announced today that Director of Communications & Broadcasting Cristiano Simonetta will move on to join the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL.
Simonetta will be the inaugural Director of Communications & Broadcasting for the Vegas Golden Knights’ ECHL affiliate, who will play their first game in franchise history in late October.
“It has been a genuine honor to work with Cristiano, and he deserves nothing but the best,” Stars President Lori Crocker said. “While I am sad to see him go, we love to see our staff advance their hockey careers to the next level. The Ghost Pirates have made an excellent choice in Cristiano and are lucky to have him. I wish Cristiano much success in his new role and his future. I have no doubt I will be listening to him in the NHL one day.”
Simonetta, 26, broadcasted over 160 regular-season games for Lincoln after being hired in August of 2019. He was selected to represent the USHL at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft in Montreal, QC.
“Lincoln has become a second home for me,” Simonetta said. “Ryan Schiff and Lori Crocker gave me the opportunity of a lifetime three years ago; I am forever indebted to them and the rest of the Stars organization. In addition, I’d like to thank Alberto Fernandez and the current ownership group for supporting me through one of the franchise’s best seasons in recent memory.”
The Carol Stream, IL native managed Lincoln’s social media channels, team website, public/community relations and various media responsibilities.
“I will miss calling games in the Ice Box,” Simonetta said. “Stars fans are the best in the USHL and made me feel welcome from the first time I stepped foot in this city.”
Joel Norman will join the Stars as the new Director of Communications & Broadcasting.
Norman, 26, was previously the Broadcaster and Social Media Manager of the Mason City Toros of the North American Tier III Hockey League (NA3HL). He also worked for the Wenatchee AppleSox, a summer collegiate baseball team in Wenatchee, Washington, that competes in the West Coast League.
Norman is a West Virginia University graduate and is originally from Pittsburgh, PA.
“I am very excited to join the Lincoln Stars,” Norman said. “I am looking forward to telling the story of this season’s team and working hard to make this a memorable year.”
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