Paliani Selects OHL Route with Sudbury
June 11, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Sudbury Wolves News Release
The Sudbury Wolves are pleased to announce that 17-year-old centreman DEVON PALIANI has made a commitment to compete for a roster position with the Sudbury Wolves in August. The Lasalle, Ontario native was acquired from the Kingston Frontenacs last week in return for a conditional 14th round selection in 2016. Paliani, stands 5'10" and weighs 170 lbs. He was selected by Kingston in the 14th round of the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.
Paliani enjoyed a 'break-out' year last season by leading the Lasalle Vipers Jr. B team in play-off scoring with 11 goals in 9 play-off games. Paliani enjoyed a solid regular season by scoring 26 goals and adding 28 assists for 54 points in 49 games. He scored 7 goals on the power play and added 5 game-winning goals.
Paliani was named as the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League Western Conference's Rookie-of-the-Year and was named to the league's All-Rookie team. Paliani also played in the league's Top Prospects Game. Paliani doesn't turn 18 years of age until October and is not NHL draft-eligible until 2015.
"We are very excited to have Devon make the commitment to compete for a roster spot with us in August" notes Wolves' GM Blaine Smith. Despite a number of returning veteran forwards and some very good young prospects, Smith believes that the skilled forward has what it takes to crack the Wolves' line-up in September. "Devon is a very skilled player who has proven that he can score goals at the junior level. We look forward to seeing what he can do for us at the OHL level."
"I would like to thank the Sudbury Wolves organization for giving me this opportunity" notes Paliani. "I was planning to pursue the NCAA route with offers from Division 1 schools, however, the Sudbury Wolves interest in me made me revisit my options and my preference has always been to play in the Ontario Hockey League. I will continue to work as hard as I can this summer to prepare myself for Sudbury's main try-out camp and earn a roster spot with the Wolves. I would like to personally thank the Burgess Family and the Wolves' management for providing me with this great hockey career opportunity. I plan on making the most of my opportunity with Sudbury."
Paliani will be in attendance at the Wolves' main camp which will begin on Thursday, August 28th at the Sudbury Arena.
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Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 11, 2014
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