The Windsor Spitfires have locked down a potential franchise cornerstone.
That's how GM Warren Rychel describes goalie and Amherstburg-native Mike DiPeitro, who the team officially signed today after drafting him 23rd overall in April's OHL Priority Selection.
"We were fortunate to have that pick in the second round and to get the guy we feel was the best goalie in the draft," says Rychel. "Obviously being a 16-year-old goalie in this league is difficult. We're going to give him time to grow. But there's no denying his commitment, his attitude and the hard work we know he will put in."
DiPietro posted a 2.15 goals against average and .918 save percentage in 17 games with the Sun County Panthers last season. He also play for Team Ontario's gold medal-winning team at the Canada Winter Games with a goals against average of 0.75 and a .971 save percentage.