It was a slow news week in the American Hockey League. Only two major signings were announced, and Chicago and Rockford named new head coaches. Here’s an update from around the AHL.

Norfolk Signs Pair

The Norfolk Admirals announced Monday that they’ve signed forward Pete Zingoni and goaltender Mike McKenna to AHL contracts for the 2008-09 season.

Zingoni, 27, spent the previous two seasons with the Philadelphia Phantoms. In 66 games last season with the Phantoms, Zingoni scored 20 goals and 18 assists for 38 points with 92 penalty minutes. In 133 career AHL games with Syracuse and Philadelphia, Zingoni has scored 40 goals and 29 assists for 69 points with 156 penalty minutes.

McKenna, 25, spent the 2007-08 season with the Portland Pirates. In 41 games last season, McKenna posted a record of 24-13-1 with a 2.72 goals against average and .908 save %. He also appeared in six Calder Cup Playoff games, posting a 2-4 record with a 3.38 goals against average. In 51 career AHL games with Norfolk, Milwaukee, Omaha and Portland, McKenna has a record of 28-16-2 with a 2.97 goals against average and .901 save %.

IceHogs Name New Coach

The Rockford IceHogs announced on Friday that Bill Peters has been named the eighth coach in franchise history. Mike Haviland, who served as head coach the previous three seasons, was promoted to assistant coach with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Peters, 43, spent the previous three seasons as head coach of the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League, where he led the Chiefs to the 2008 Memorial Cup. Peters ranks third on the Chiefs’ franchise list with 115 wins and 217 games coached.

Wolves Hire Granato

The Chicago Wolves announced Wednesday that Don Granato has been named the new head coach in Chicago. Granato replaces Jon Anderson, who was hired by the Atlanta Thrashers last month. Anderson led the Wolves to the 2008 Calder Cup.

Granato, 41, is the younger brother of Colorado Avalanche head coach Tony Granato. He’s been a minor-league coach for 12 seasons and has coached such teams as Peoria and Worcester. He won a Kelly Cup with Peoria in 2000. He served last season as a scout with the Toronto Maple Leafs.