Vitucci Accepts AHL Position
Published on February 4, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Toledo Walleye News Release
TOLEDO, OH - For more than a decade, Nick Vitucci has played a role in professional hockey in Toledo, as a player, a coach and Director of Hockey Operations. Today, the Toledo Walleye announce Vitucci will leave the Walleye organization to become the assistant coach with the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League.
I have been so fortunate to spend a big part of my career in Toledo. I have been part of Toledo hockey for 16 years and the ironic part is that I lived in my hometown of Welland, Ontario for 21 years" says Vitucci. "For the second time in my life, I feel like I'm leaving home."
"It's been a pleasure to work with Nick beginning with the Toledo Storm and then with the Walleye," says Neil Neukam, Toledo Walleye general manager. "His passion for, and experience in the game enabled him to play an integral role in the planning and development of the Walleye franchise. We wish him luck as he takes this next step in his career."
A member of the ECHL Hall of Fame, Vitucci first came to Toledo as a goaltender with the Toledo Storm during the 1993-94 season and was a member of the Riley Cup winning team in 1994. He was a player-assistant coach for the Storm the following season and returned for another season between the pipes in 1997-98.
He returned during the 2003-04 season as a midseason replacement to become Head Coach of the Toledo Storm. Over three-and-a-half seasons, Vitucci guided the Storm to an overall record of 140-104-21 and three straight playoff appearances. He was then Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the Toledo Walleye during its first five seasons, posting an overall record of 154-171-35 and guided the Walleye to two postseason appearances.
Vitucci says there are many people he wants to thank. "I have been very fortunate to meet such amazing people during my time in Toledo. The fans, arena staff, game day operations staff and the people in the community of Toledo have been incredible. We are so blessed to have the fan support that we have in Toledo. They are off the charts with support."
For Vitucci, being a part of Scott Allen's AHL coaching staff in Portland of the AHL is an opportunity he couldn't pass up. "I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career. Scott Allen is one of the hardest working coaches in hockey. He is a former teammate of mine and someone that I'm fortunate to call a friend."
As he leaves Toledo, Vitucci says he's proud of the efforts to create the Toledo Hockey Hall of Fame, as a way of honoring those who have made an impact on professional hockey in Toledo.
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