The Windsor Spitfires turned to locally-grown talent as it continues to build its offence.
The team announced Wednesday morning that they had traded for Matthew Maggio, a right-winger from the Ottawa 67's and a native of Tecumseh. In return, the Spitfires are sending to Ottawa their 2022 and 2023 second round OHL Priority Selection picks, which they had received from the Kingston Frontenacs and the Kitchener Rangers respectively.
Maggio, 16, split time last season between the 67's and the Kanata Lasers of the CCHL, scoring a total of 11 goals over 57 games played. He also represented Canada at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge in New Brunswick, scoring a goal and three assists in six games.
Spits general manager and part-owner Warren Rychel said Maggio fills their need for a reliable, physical skater.
“Matthew is a very good skater and heavy on the forecheck, something we need to instil in our lineup,” Rychel said in a media release. “He really caught our eye at the U-17s in New Brunswick, where he was Player of the Game twice. It's been evident to me that we needed a kid like this, especially a local kid, with ties to the area.”
The move is the latest in a series of signings the Spits have made in the past two weeks. On Tuesday, Windsor signed their second-round 2019 pick Pasquale Zito to a standard OHL Player and Education Package. On June 18, they signed their first-round pick, Wyatt Johnston to a similar deal; and on June 15, inked forward Egor Afanasyev, a product of the trade with Ottawa last season for star goalie Michael DiPietro. Afanasyev was drafted this past weekend by the NHL Nashville Predators.
Matthew Maggio, right, with Windsor Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel at the WFCU Centre, June 26, 2019. Photo courtesy Windsor Spitfires.
