Robbie Bina gets a professional deal

Former Fighting Sioux defenseman Robbie Bina has signed a deal to play professional hockey in either the AHL or the ECHL. This is story has a happy ending as most of us know, in 2005 during the WCHA Final Five Robbie Bina was hit from behind by Geoff Paukovich causing Bina to suffer from a broken neck, putting his hockey career in jeopardy. After taking the next season off Robbie Bina returned gloriously to the Fighting Sioux line up to play a major force in UND getting back to the Frozen Four two more times. Incidentally Bina and Paukovich could now be teammates but don't expect anything to come out of this, the incident has been settled.

Bina signs pro deal.
Brad Elliott Schlossman Grand Forks Herald
Tuesday, July 22, 2008

In about three years, Robbie Bina has made the incredible journey from a broken neck to a professional hockey contract.

Strangely enough, the guy responsible for the serious injury may be there when Bina arrives.

Bina, an all-Western Collegiate Hockey Association defenseman at UND, recently signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Edmonton Oilers organization, which also holds the rights to Geoff Paukovich

Bina’s contract is with Springfield (Mass.) Falcons of the American Hockey League and the Stockton (Calif.) Thunder of the East Coast Hockey League.

Paukovich, who caused Bina’s injury with an illegal hit in March 2005 as a member of the Denver Pioneers, played with Stockton last season.

“I’ve put everything behind me,” Bina said. “I’m just going to go there and play and hopefully have a good season.”

The injury happened during the playoffs of Bina’s sophomore season. He took a year off to recover and became a strong two-way force upon his return.

Bina had 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points in 43 games as a junior and two goals, 23 assists in 43 games as a senior. He earned third-team all-WCHA honors last season.

“I’m hoping to play up in the AHL,” Bina said. “I’d like to go there and have a good season. Maybe I’ll see some power-play time.”

No matter where he ends up, he may see familiar faces.

Bina’s defensive partner, Taylor Chorney, signed with the Oilers three weeks ago. Chorney will either play in Edmonton or Springfield.

If Bina lands in Stockton, he will be playing under former Sioux defenseman Tim O’Connell, who will be a first-year assistant there.

Bina is the fifth Sioux player from last season’s team to sign a pro deal. Chorney and T.J. Oshie gave up their final years of eligibility by signing with the Oilers and St. Louis Blues.

Outgoing seniors Rylan Kaip (Atlanta Thrashers, NHL) and Kyle Radke (Idaho, ECHL) also have signed.

Check out this story over on Coming Down the Pike.