‘I believe he’s a high future NHL pick’: Rich Ricci, St. Michael’s GM/Head Coach
Michael D’Alessio of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s St. Michael’s Buzzers has joined the Erie Otter of the Ontario Hockey League.
The rookie defenceman made his OHL debut Wednesday, wearing No. 7 – his number with the Buzzers – in Erie’s 3-2 overtime loss to Owen Sound.
The 15-year-old – Michael turns 16 on Dec. 3 – was a fourth-round pick of Erie from the U16 GTHL champion Vaughan Kings in this year’s OHL U16 draft.
He had nine points in 29 games with St. Michael’s this fall.
“Michael has come in this year as a late-birth 16-year-old and has performed at a high level in a very difficult position,” said Rich Ricci, St. Michael’s General Manager and Head Coach. “He receives 20-plus minutes a night and is exceptional in the mid-ice area. I believe his D zone efficiency will be very good in time. Offensively, he shoots the puck well, has good vision and will eventually run a power play. I believe he’s a high future NHL pick.”
“Michael is a quiet kid that is having fun and is starting to come out of his shell. He’s a well-mannered kid from a very good family.”
D’Alessio on signing in the OHL.
“I’m incredibly excited to announce my signing with the Erie Otters,” D’Alessio told the OJHL. “This decision marks a huge step in my hockey journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to join such a great organization. My time so far with the Buzzers has been invaluable, both in my development as a player and as a person. The coaching staff and my teammates have been nothing short of exceptional, pushing me to grow every day and creating an environment that made coming to rink feel like a privilege.”
“I want to thank everyone with the Buzzers for their guidance and support, and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead with the Otters.
‘Michael has gained a fantastic opportunity from the St. Michael’s Buzzers that has enabled him to develop and understand the game at the junior level…’
David Brown, Erie’s general manager and executive vice-president, is a former GM at Milton and Brampton in what’s now the OJHL.
“As a defender, Michael has earned high praise and has had an impressive season up to this point,” said Brown. “Michael has gained a fantastic opportunity from the St. Michael’s Buzzers that has enabled him to develop and understand the game at the junior level, and now with signing, we are eager to see his continued progress in Erie.
“We are delighted that the Otters will play a role in Michael’s further development as he strives for his career aspirations. This is an exciting time for the entire organization.”
Congratulations to Michael and best of luck in the OHL!
The OJHL has had more than 60 Canadian Hockey League and NCAA commitments already this season.
Check out all our current commitments here: https://www.ojhl.ca/committments/
