Player Profile: Vito Aluia
October 25, 2013 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Port Huron Fighting Falcons News Release
Vito Aluia's hockey career started at a young age, but it didn't start on the ice.
Aluia learned the game as an inline hockey player for five years before making the transition onto the ice at age 12. From there, his progression has moved along quickly, with three great seasons with the Belle Tire program before making his junior hockey debut last season with the Port Huron Fighting Falcons.
Last season, the forward was one of nine Fighting Falcons skaters to tally 20 points or more. Aluia says his best memory from his first junior season was receiving the game puck from his first goal with the Fighting Falcons during the NAHL Showcase last September.
This season, he's performing well on the top line of one of the top teams in the North American Hockey League, showing why his teammates gave him the Bill LeCaine Unsung Hero Award last season.
"Everyone is buying into the systems, and we're all getting along great in the locker room," Aluia said. "I think that's been a big factor in our team's success so far this year. We all know why we're here and we're working great together.
"The fans here are dedicated and supportive, and it's a great place to play," he added. "It's very uplifting to know that the fans recognize me and they give us all a boost every time we get to play in front of them."
The 19-year-old Aluia, or Veets, as his teammates call him, says he feels a lot stronger and confident in his second junior season. He's seeing his individual scoring numbers start to pick up, as both of his goals have come in the team's last three games. The Warren native has also chipped in three assists through the first month of the season.
Linemates Aluia and Bryan Yim had played together along with goalie Alex Blankenburg during the 2009-10 season on Belle Tire's U16 team. Newcomer Matt Seidel played with Aluia on the same team in 2010-11.
With one season of junior eligibility remaining after this year, Aluia has his sights set on a college commitment, following in the footsteps of so many of his teammates from last year.
In the meantime, you may find him at the Zebra Lounge, enjoying a cheeseburger at his favorite place in town.
Aluia and the rest of the Fighting Falcons return to home ice Sunday, October 27 for a 4 p.m. matchup with the Michigan Warriors. Tickets are on sale now at the McMorran Arena Box Office.
During the game on the 27th, the "Taking a Shot at Breast Cancer" fundraising group will complete their auction for pink Fighting Falcons warm-up jerseys, which the team will wear before the game. All proceeds from 50/50 raffles during Breast Cancer Awareness Month benefit the group, which donates the money to organizations and families in need throughout St. Clair County.
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