Fab played 67 times for the Stars in the 2018-2019 season, scoring 42 points (18G, 24A), with a total of 46 penalty minutes and was named as the OSC’s Player of the Year.
The 27-year-old had first joined the club from French second division side, Cergy-Pontoise where he made his pro debut after spending time in the Canadian major junior leagues and one year at Ryerson University.
Then after his only season in the Elite League, Ricci moved to East Coast Hockey League outfit, Wichita Thunder and then spent the last two seasons with Orlando Solar Bears.
Over the past three campaigns, the Toronto-born forward has totalled 51 points (19G, 32A) in 140 ECHL games.
The 6-foot-2-inch tall, left winger was also selected to play in the 2019-2020 ECHL All-Star Game, whilst icing with the Thunder.
After confirming the deal that brings Ricci back to Tayside, Stars GM and Head Coach, Jeff Mason said: “From coaching against Fab, I saw he had a lot of success in this league when he played here and I got really good reports on him as a person.
“I know over the last few years his numbers took a dip from when he played in Dundee, but that is probably more due to the type of role that was expected of him across there.
“However, we anticipate that his production will return to the levels that we saw during his previous time in Dundee and from the moment I spoke to him, he seemed so excited and spoke so highly of Dundee and how much he loves the club and the people around the club.
“He really was the perfect fit for the type of guy to bring back and I know to this point there has not been a lot of returning players, so I am delighted to bring back a fan favourite, even if it was from a few years ago.”
Jeff continued: “He has a lot of speed and I see him fitting well into our lines.
“I see him as a guy that can get in hard on the forecheck, turn pucks over, get to the front of the net and go to the hard areas where you have to be to score.
“His speed will be a weapon for him, it certainly was the first time he played here and it will be again this year and speed is something we want to play with, because we want to pressure teams and he will certainly be able to do that, hopefully very successfully.”
Speaking about his return to the City of Discovery, Fabrizio added: “I am super excited and happy to be back in Dundee, it is an amazing organisation with the best fans in the league.
“After playing a great few years in North America, I thought it was best for my career to head back over to Europe, and no better place to play than the place where you already had great success and to a team and city you are familiar with.
“Both the organisation and the fans are two major valuables that drew me back to Dundee.
“After speaking with Jeff, I was grateful that he wanted me to be a apart of his first year in Dundee, which is very exciting for a coach and I am looking forward to being a part of something special this season.”
Ricci continued: “Jeff and I spoke a few times regarding this upcoming season, discussing his plans, his vision for both the me and the club moving forward, and I immediately wanted to be a part of it.
“I am grateful for the opportunity that he gave me to help the organisation in any way I can and to do my part in bringing success, competitiveness and leadership to Dundee.”
As it has been three years since Fabrizio last graced the DIA with his dazzling displays of speed, skill and scoring, the Canadian shared his delight at being back on a larger ice pad, where he can take full advantage of his abilities.
He said: “Not really, I stick to what I know and to what makes me successful, the last few years I have been playing on the North American sized ice, so it will be a great transition back to the Olympic style where I can utilise my speed.
“I have been training hard this offseason and I am excited to get going back at the DIA.”
In his career so far, Ricci has featured in 546 matches, scored 134 goals, assisted 185 times, and has collected 552 penalty minutes, whilst also making 37 playoff appearances and collecting 13 points (5G, 8A) and 52 penalty minutes.
Fab is our 12th signing of the summer and joins Drydn Dow, Craig Garrigan, Philippe Sanche, Chris Gerrie, Brython Preece, Mac Howlett, Toms Rutkis, Kris Inglis, Carter Folk, Elijiah Barriga and Ryan Verrier on the roster for next season.
You can get your season tickets to watch these 12 players and the rest of the team in the 2022-2023 campaign by contacting: [email protected]
Barriga will again wear the #43 Stars jersey next season.
To view Fabrizio’s career stats on Elite Prospects click HERE.
All images: Derek Black.
