De Angelis will help Spitfires’ blue-line
Second round pick has ‘bright future’
Defenceman Nicholas De Angelis became the second member of the Windsor Spitfires’ 2020 Ontario Hockey League Draft class to sign on with the club on Friday.
The Spitfires inked the club’s first of two second-round picks in April’s draft to a standard OHL player agreement and education package. His signing comes more than a month after first-round pick Ryan Abraham agreed to terms.
“It’s a relief,” the 16-year-old De Angelis said on Friday. “I wasn’t worried, but it’s just good to have it over and I’m just excited. I’m honoured to be picked by such a great organization and excited for what’s ahead.”
The Spitfires selected the 6-foot, 180-pound De Angelis with the 36th pick overall in the draft from the Mississauga Senators minor midgets, where he was captain.
“We think he’s the whole package,” Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler said of De Angelis. “He provides leadership, his on-ice ability is obvious, but his off-ice character is very attractive.”
With the graduation of Thomas Stevenson, the decision by Ruben Rafkin to return home to Finland to play professionally and the uncertain potential return of Connor Corcoran for an overage season, the Spitfires will have openings on defence next season.
“We addressed a need and think he’ll fit in well,” said Spitfires director of scouting and hockey operations Frank Evola. “A lot of guys spoke highly of his character and leadership ability.
“He’s got good feet, mobility and a real heavy shot. In time, I see a bright future. He moves the puck well and plays the position fairly well. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective.”
De Angelis posted seven goals and 16 points in 32 games last season in minor midget and Bowler believes there is more of an offensive upside that has yet to be tapped.
“I want to be able to be used in all situations,” De Angelis said. “I want to be able to run a power play, but also want to be on the PK (penalty kill), be on the ice when we need a goal or when we’re defending a lead.”
And in time, expect those leadership skills to also come out of the young defender.
“I think it’s a very important job and it was a great honour for me,” De Angelis said of being captain last season. “I like it. I think it’s more responsibility. You have to bring the team together and have a good dressing room. It’s hard for the coach to control how good the environment in the dressing room is.”
For now, the hardest part of De Angelis is that he hasn’t had a chance to get to Windsor since the draft with the club unable to hold a prospects camp or any form of fitness testing.
“You’re itching to get down there because you’re excited from the draft,” De Angelis said. “I want to get down there and start to play.”