The Welland Whalers have taken on a distinctive Thorold flavor.

The Whalers have added former Thorold Blackhawks Chris Risi, Bill Zalba and Fraser Smith. Both Risi and Zalba are expected to be in the lineup Saturday when the Whalers host Whitby in Allen Cup Hockey play at the Welland Arena.

Risi, a member of the 2005 Sutherland Cup champion Blackhawks, can’t wait to suit up for his new club.

“I definitely do miss it. It’s been my fourth year out and I haven’t played much hockey at all,” said Risi, a 28-year-old Thorold resident. “The thing you miss the most is being part of a team and being with the guys.

“I’m exciting for sure and think it will be fun.”

Risi, who had his No. 9 retired by the Blackhawks, played four years for Mercyhurst following his junior B career before turning to his hockey school and off-ice training business. He is also an employee at Front Row Sports.

“You grow up and you are at the rink pretty much every single day of your whole life,” Risi said. “I didn’t think I would stop after junior or college so it’s always in the back of your mind to play.

“My whole job, everything I do involves hockey and I’m on the ice a ton, but that whole team aspect of it and being part of something is what you look forward to.”

Risi is excited to be playing with Zalba. Risi, Zalba and Sean Bentivoglio, now playing pro in Italy, formed one of the most potent lines in league history.

“It’s going to be good. I haven’t talked to Bill in a few years,” Risi said. “When he called me and told me he was playing it was definitely a big boost for me. We had a really good year with Sean. I think it will be fun.”

Zalba lives in Michigan and will commute for the games, as will Smith, who now calls London home.

Tim Toffolo, the Whalers director of hockey operations and owner, can’t wait to see Risi in Whaler green.

“I’m really excited to watch Chris Risi again,” Toffolo said. “He was the guy we always wanted out of the league because he was one of the most dominant players. To see him skating down the boards again and cutting in will be exciting.”

The Whalers also added former Welland Junior Canadains sniper Jason Hill to their roster.

“I’ve been talking to the guys for awhile now about coming to play,” Toffolo said. “We knew we needed some guys with pro experience and high level college experience to come in and fill and hole for us and score some goals. That’s been our biggest issue that we’ve had and these guys will be able to help us in that category.”

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