Saponari likely headed to USHL

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thrashers prospect Vinny Saponari likely will continue his career in the United States Hockey League after being dismissed from the Boston University team in May.

Saponari, a forward from Powder Springs, appears headed to play for Dubuque, Iowa, in the 14-team league. The 20-year-old will be coached by Jim Montgomery, who was hired in April.

Saponari, a fourth-round pick of the Thrashers in 2008 (96th overall) and his brother, Victor, were dismissed for what was reportedly an alcohol-related incident.

“It’s a long story,” Saponari said Saturday at the Thrashers' prospect-development camp. “I don’t fully understand it myself, to be honest. Beyond that I don’t have any comment because I don’t understand the situation. It was a shock to me.”

Boston University coach Jack Parker issued a statement at the time saying “Over a period of time, there have been cumulative instances in which Victor and Vinny Saponari have displayed conduct unbecoming of a Boston University hockey player.”

Saponari, a sophomore last season, played in 38 games and had 12 goals and 18 assists.

“[The USHL] looks like the best option,” Saponari said. “It’s probably a step backward as far as competition, but it will be up to me to get out of it as much as I can. There is definitely a lot to get out of it.”

Saponari, who described the situation as “tough,” said he is eager to move forward. He only recently returned to metro Atlanta. He remained in Boston to finish his class work.

“He has to start over and work at it,” Thrashers general manager Rick Dudley said. “We still have faith in him. There have been some issues I guess, but he’s dealing with them.”

Burmistrov will train in Russia

Alexander Burmistrov, the Thrashers’ first-round pick this year (No. 8 overall), will return to his native Russia following development camp.

He is going back to train.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to play in the KHL,” Burmistrov joked of the Russian professional league.

Some have worried that Burmistrov, who played last season for Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League, would return to Russia to play hockey after being drafted.

Three file for arbitration

Three of the Thrashers' arbitration-eligible players, Clarke MacArthur and newly acquired Ben Eager and Andrew Ladd, filed for arbitration after receiving qualifying offers from the team. Hearings have been scheduled, and they will begin at the end of the month.

Arbitration-eligible players have until 5 p.m. Thursday to accept qualifying offers.

Thrashers president Don Waddell said he expects to begin negotiations with the players, who could sign new contracts before the hearings.