Monday, January 26, 2009

Grimaldi to the Giants?

Rocco Grimaldi who's playing with the Little Ceasars Major Midget team has apparently has been added to the Vancouver Giants protected list. This is according to The Scouting News:

Sources are speculating about 1993 DOB American hotshot prospect Rocco Grimaldi’s potential CHL hockey future. Will Grimaldi end up with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants? Or, will he be admitted into the class of 2009 OHL draft in May? It appears some decisions have been made!

He's one of the Top Americans for his group. This season he has 15 goals and 23 assists in 29 games. Most thought he would be eligible for the OHL Draft this May. One thing I don't understand is how come he was eligible for rights to be picked up. He went undrafted in the WHL Bantam Draft. I would of thought he would at least be drafted if he was available. Also wouldn't he be available for this upcoming Bantam Draft because he went undrafted last year?

Western College Hockey saw him over the summer at the Select 15's.

Rocco Grimaldi- By far the most exciting player at the camp. He's little, but is a great skater and has incredible tenacity. Aside from being very skilled offensively, he was probably the best defensive forward at the camp. I think he has the potential to be a very special player.

If the Scouting News report is true it's another big win for the WHL. Earlier this season, the Seattle Thunderbirds signed Texas native Colin Jacobs. The Kelowna Rockets signed California native Shane McColgan who already played four games and has a goal and two assists. (15 year-olds are allowed to play five games).

The 93 class looks weak all around. USA Hockey can't be losing anymore of the top talent because the pool is looking pretty thin.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Man, if he goes to the Giants that is the rich getting richer.

It does seem that a lot of top U.S. born players are choosing the CHL lately.