King player looking forward to NHL entry draft
By Jon Yaneff

Alex Pietrangelo of King City strives to lead the Niagara Ice Dogs in the OHL playoffs, as well as raise his stock for the upcoming NHL entry draft in June.

Alex Pietrangelo's strength and ability has the current Niagara Ice Dog's stock on the rise heading into the 2008 National Hockey League draft of 18- year-olds, scheduled for June 20 in Ottawa.

Like an actual dog, this King City resident has been taking a bite out of the competition during the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playoffs.

This gifted offensive defenceman racked up eight points (four goals and four assists) during a four-game, first-round sweep of the Mississauga - St. Mike's Majors. So far, he is second on the Ice Dogs in playoff points, one behind teammate Stefan Legein (four goals and five assists).

"It was a pretty good series for us," said Pietrangelo. "There's no place we'd rather win our first series than in Mississauga. We had a lot of our own fans there, so our road games felt like we were at home."

Last season the Ice Dogs called Mississauga their home, but were forced out of the Hershey Centre after Eugene Melnyk ended up owning the team, as well as the Majors. The Ice Dogs now play at the Gatorade Garden City Complex in St. Catharines.

"They treat us well in St. Catharines though," explained Pietrangelo. "There's no complaints and the fans are always supportive."

International Scouting Services has Pietrangelo currently ranked fourth out of possible lottery picks for the NHL draft.

"It's really exciting for me," he said. "Every single hockey player as a kid grows up dreaming of a situation like this. I'm looking forward to it more than anything."

The Toronto Maple Leafs, who were just eliminated from playoff contention last week, will have a lottery pick and the possibility to be taken high in the draft by his hometown team doesn't escape the defenceman.

"I grew up a Leaf fan, so it would be a good opportunity for me, and my family would be pleased as well," said Pietrangelo, who played his minor hockey for the NobleKing Knights rep team, the Richmond Hill Stars (Ontario Hockey Association) and the Toronto Junior Canadiens (Greater Toronto Hockey League). "My dad, Joe, is the biggest reason I am where I am and he has been a big help in guiding me."

During his two OHL seasons, Pietrangelo has developed into an all-round defenceman, posting 105 points (20 goals and 95 assists) in 119 games. He's established his defensive prowess as well by producing a plus 69. This season he had 53 points in 60 games, with a plus 29. (Plus/minus from goals for and against is determined when a player is on the ice.)

"Offence is one of my assets, but I strive to be an all-round defensive threat," said the six-foot four-inch, 210 pound Pietrangelo. "It's a matter of having a good balanced attack."

On the Ice Dogs' Web site Pietrangelo lists his favourite NHL player as "Prongstrom", which is a name-blend of defencemen Chris Pronger of the Anaheim Ducks and Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings.

"Pronger more than anything," said Pietrangelo when asked if he tries to model his game around the NHL players. "He has a good combo of size and knowledge, while using his attributes to produce a little bit of everything in his game."

Pietrangelo would be the first King Township resident drafted in the NHL first round since defenceman Nick Boynton (Nobleton) in 1999, 21st overall to the Boston Bruins. Boynton, currently playing for the Phoenix Coyotes, is six-foot twoinches in comparison.

But, if Petro, as his teammates call him, isn't ready for the NHL next season the young 18-yearold defenceman can continue to condition his skills with the Ice Dogs.

The Ice Dogs start the second-round in Oshawa against the Generals Thursday.