Spitfires add defensive help in trade with Rangers

With overage defenceman Thomas Stevenson still sidelined with a concussion, the Windsor Spitfires picked up a little help on Friday.

The Spitfires acquired 19-yearold defenceman Joseph Rupoli from the Kitchener Rangers for a 12th-round Ontario Hockey League Draft pick in 2020. The Spitfires acquired that pick from the Guelph Storm last season for goalie Lucas Patton.

“He’s a quality kid, with character, who adds roster versatility to our team,” Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler said.

The six-foot-four, 215-pound Rupoli will wear No. 2 and is expected to be in the lineup Saturday when the Spitfires face the Spirit in Saginaw.

“I’m super excited,” said Rupoli, who moves from the team sitting last in the Western Conference starting play on Friday to the team occupying first place.

“I know Windsor is doing very well right now. I just want to go in and do the best that I can, (and provide) whatever they need.”

A former fifth-round pick by Oshawa in 2016, the Rangers acquired Rupoli at last year’s trade deadline for a 10th-round pick.

Rupoli has appeared in 13 games this season with the Rangers without registering a point or a penalty minute. In 73 career regular-season games in the Ontario Hockey League, Rupoli has four assists along with 27 penalty minutes.

“I’m just a shutdown guy who has to get the puck moving up to the forwards to be my best,” Rupoli said.

The early morning trade allowed Rupoli to get to Windsor in time for practice with his teammates before his debut on Saturday.

“It’s good to get on the ice and get some touches in and get used to their style of play,” Rupoli said.

The Spitfires have been without Stevenson for four games since he suffered a concussion on Nov. 9. The club has used rookie James Jodoin in two of those four games, but would prefer he gets the chance to develop with the Lasalle Vipers.

“We were hoping Thomas would be back two weeks ago, but his health is a priority right now,” Bowler said. “(Rupoli) is a welcome addition because it brings depth.”

While primarily a defenceman, Rupoli also has some experience playing forward, which could provide the Spitfires more roster options moving forward.

“At the end of the day, I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing and trying to get better,” Rupoli said. “I can play both positions, whatever they need. I’ll take everything I can get.”