Steel Sign Adam Valentini to Tender Agreement
April 30, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS - The Chicago Steel announced Tuesday the signing of forward Adam Valentini of the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA team to a USHL tender agreement for the 2024-2025 season.
A talented and dynamic forward from Toronto, ON, Canada, Valentini was named Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) Player of the Year, putting forth an offensive masterclass with the Marlboros last season, recording 67 points in 32 regular season games to lead the league. Valentini finished tied at the top of the league in goals with 31 and led the league in assists with 36. His 2.09 points per game clip was the highest in the league and 0.15 higher than the next-best skater. Valentini also represented the Canada U16 team at the Youth Olympics earlier this season.
During the GTHL Playoffs, Valentini scored four goals and notched seven assists for 11 points in six games. His 11 points ranked tied for fourth among all skaters during the playoffs.
"We're excited to sign Adam to a tender agreement," said Steel Head Coach and General Manager Mike Garman. "He's an elite talent with great hockey intelligence who fits perfectly into the Chicago Steel style of play. Adam is a highly competitive player who impacts the game with and without the puck.
"Adam's commitment to his development on and off the ice make him a perfect fit for the Chicago Steel and we can't wait to see him in a Steel jersey this September."
Valentini top asset is an elite shot that makes him dangerous from all parts of the attacking zone. He has the lethal trait of creating plays with next to nothing available and a high hockey IQ with his creative mind.
"I'm so excited to be joining an incredible organization with the Chicago Steel," said Valentini. "It's an honor to be a part of such a first-class organization, and I can't wait to get started. I want to thank Coach Garman and the rest of the Chicago Steel staff for giving me this opportunity. I'm ready to help bring the Clark Cup back to Chicago!"
This January, Valentini competed in the Youth Olympics Games that were held in the province of Gangwon in the Republic of Korea. He played in four games and scored one goal and finished with a +5 rating. The Youth Olympic Games allow younger individuals across the globe the opportunity to showcase their top-tier sporting talent.
Valentini's signing will take the place of Chicago's second round pick in the 2024 USHL Phase I Draft which will take place Monday, May 6. Valentini joins defenseman Callum Croskery as Steel tenders from the 2008 birth year.
Now in its 13th year, the USHL tender process allows teams to sign up to two 2008 birth year players prior to the 2024 USHL Phase I Draft.
Valentini is the tenth player to be tendered by Chicago after the team signed forward Robert Mastrosimone in 2017, defenseman Ryan Ufko in 2019, defenseman Jake Livanavage and forward Adam Fantilli in 2020, forward Jayden Perron in 2021, forwards Macklin Celebrini and Michael Hage in 2022, current Steel forward Lukas Sawchyn in 2023, and Croskery in February 2024.
Tendered players are required to play in 55 percent of a team's games during the regular season, notwithstanding injury, illness or suspension.
The 2024 USHL Phase I Draft is scheduled for Monday, May 6, and Phase II scheduled for Tuesday, May 7 while being held at Quinnipiac's M&T Bank Arena.
For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.
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