Storm's Parillo honored

11/5/2002

Toledo left wing Nick Parillo was named the East Coast Hockey League player of the week yesterday for his seven-point performance in Storm wins over Johnstown and Wheeling on Friday and Saturday.

Parillo, who tops ECHL-leading Toledo with six goals and eight assists in 10 games, had a goal and two assists in Friday's 5-2 victory over the Chiefs at the Sports Arena. He followed up with an unassisted, game-winning goal and three assists in Wheeling on Saturday as the Storm beat the Nailers 7-4.

“I'm not surprised about the award, I guess, because of the points I had,” said Parillo, 25. “The points made it look like a lot better weekend than what I had. I don't think I had my best weekend. I give credit to my teammates on the award more than anything else. If guys don't put the puck in the net, I wouldn't be getting that award.”

The 5-9, 191-pound rookie out of Merrimack College said the best part about receiving the honor was that he was able to contribute to the Storm's 8-1-1 start with his output.

Toledo's 17 points lead the 27-team league.

“It's a big deal if you can contribute to a winning team,” Parillo said. “We're off to a great start. If I got that award and we lost twice last weekend, it wouldn't have been the same thing for me.”

NOTE: Defenseman Paul Ballantyne has been recalled to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League. Assigned to Toledo last Thursday by the parent Detroit Red Wings, Ballantyne was pointless in two Storm appearances.