KINGSTON, Ont. (May 14, 2010) – Queen's men's hockey coach Brett Gibson announced today the commitment of two players for the 2010-11 season.

Alexi Pianosi of Halifax, N.S., joins the Gaels after spending three seasons playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The 5'10 defenceman spent two seasons with the Moncton Wildcats before splitting the 2008-09 campaign with the Victoriaville Tigres and Val d'Or Foreurs. In his major junior career, Pianosi tallied 7 goals and 33 assists with his best season coming in 2007-08 when he played in 64 games recording 2 goals, 15 assists and 55 penalty minutes.

Last year, Pianosi joined the Aurora Tigers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) where he was an offensive force scoring 19 goals and 31 assists in just 56 games.

"Alexi is the exact type of person you want coming into your program,” said Gibson. “He is a very mature and dedicated student athlete who is going to excel on and off the ice. With over 180 games in the QMJHL, his experience is going to be a welcome addition to our backend and he will be leaned on to quarterback our powerplay."

"I felt I had the opportunity to be a part of something special, both in the classroom and on the ice,” commented Pianosi when asked about his decision to come to Queen's. “I'm very excited to be joining both the academic institution and hockey program at Queen's. The opportunity to get a first rate education and play with a group guys committed to winning is something I simply couldn't pass up. I'm looking forward to starting my academic career and playing a role in building a championship hockey team at Queen's."

Pianosi becomes the second recruit to join the Gaels from the QMJHL in the last two years joining former Saint John Sea Dog Payton Liske of Welland, Ont., on the Gaels roster.

Joining Pianosi on the Gaels next season will be former Merritt Centennials team captain (British Columbia Hockey League) Jordan Soquila of Maple Ridge, B.C.

Soquila spent the last five years in the BCHL playing for both the Centennials and the Burnaby Express. Last season, the 6'0 forward enjoyed his best season in the league as he potted 17 goals and added 28 assists for 45 points in 54 games.

"We are extremely excited that Jordan has chosen Queen's to continue his education and pursue his hockey career,” said Gibson. “He is the type of student athlete that will excel in both the classroom and ice. Jordan will be given every opportunity to jump in and contribute right away."

Soquila, who will study Engineering at Queen's, said that was one of the biggest reasons for his decision to join the Gaels. "The Queen's Engineering program is second to none which made it an easy choice. I feel honoured and excited to be a part of the distinguished Queen's hockey team and student body. I look forward to great success on the ice and in the classroom."

Soquila's former head coach at Merritt, Luke Pierce, a former hockey player at RMC, says that Soquila will fit right in with the Gaels. “We are very pleased that Jordan has been given the opportunity to play at such a prestigious institution as Queen's University. Knowing the city and team quite well myself leads me to believe that Jordan will thoroughly enjoy his time in Kingston. His leadership abilities and unparalleled work ethic will make him a valuable asset to the hockey team, and his dedication to his studies will allow him to succeed at one of Canada's most prominent Universities.”