Buccaneers Bolster Blueline with DiMaio
Published on December 9, 2015 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Des Moines Buccaneers News Release
The Des Moines Buccaneers were able to add depth and experience to their blueline as they acquire defenseman Ben DiMaio from the Omaha Lancers.
In exchange for a 9th round pick in the 2016 Phase Two USHL draft the Buccaneers receive DiMaio (0-1-1 in 19 GP this year), who was in his second season with the Omaha Lancers. A defensive-defenseman, DiMaio has 3 assists through 65 USHL games over the last two seasons, and remarkably has only been assessed 2 PIM in his USHL career.
"He gives us experience," said Buccaneers head coach Dave Allison when asked why DiMaio was acquired. "He's had a year in the league, he's going to a fine school in Dartmouth and I think he gives us more positive competition; whether it's from our returning guys or whether it's from our young kids, and I think that we needed that positive competition to take us all to a higher level."
DiMaio is a 6'2" 188 lbs. defenseman with a left-handed shot that hails from Pembroke, Massachusetts. Prior to his time in Omaha Ben played for Boston Advantage, playing parts of three seasons for both their U18 and U16 teams, and before that played for Boston College High School. DiMaio will return to New England after his junior hockey career as he is a commit to Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire.
"I'm excited," DiMaio described his feelings about the trade. "I think a new area, a new team, and a new group of guys is going to be good for me and I'll be able to get that opportunity that I've been looking for."
This is the second trade the Buccaneers had made this week after gaining the rights to forward Van Barr (affiliate list) from the Bloomington Thunder in exchange for a 3rd round pick in the 2016 Phase Two USHL draft and future considerations. Acquiring two USHL veterans for future picks is a demonstration to the fans and the league that the Des Moines Buccaneers are committed to success in the 2015-2016 season.
"We needed two veterans; we believe in this group and that's why we're buyers right now," explained Allison. "I think we've brought two guys in that have proven they can play in the league."
United States Hockey League Stories from December 9, 2015
- Musketeers Host Youngstown for Teddy Bear Toss - Sioux City Musketeers
- Buccaneers Bolster Blueline with DiMaio - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Polino Commits to R.P.I. - Lincoln Stars
- Buccaneers Acquire USHL Veteran Forward Barr - Des Moines Buccaneers
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