UOIT MEN'S HOCKEY

UOIT Ridgebacks Media Release
Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Ridgebacks Pick Up a Pair of Experienced Players for the 2008-09 Season

Oshawa, ON – University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) men’s hockey head coach Marlin Muylaert is pleased to announce that forward Tony Rizzi and defensemen Steve Spade have committed to play hockey at UOIT next season on athletic scholarships.

As a highly touted playmaker out of the OMHA, Rizzi was drafted in the first round (third overall) in the 2003 OHL Priority draft by the Kingston Frontenacs. The 6-4 right winger played three seasons with Kingston before being sent to Peterborough during his fourth and final year in the league. In total, Rizzi appeared in a total of 229 regular season games and 11 playoff games in the league. Last season, Rizzi played in the OPJHL with the Wellington Dukes where he recorded a team high 49 points in 47 games, leading the Dukes to their second consecutive OPJHL Eastern Conference Championship.

“We are very pleased that Tony Rizzi has chosen to play for our program,” noted head coach Marlin Muylaert. “We feel that Tony has the ability to really help out our offensive attack and we will count on him for consistent production and as a key contributor to our power play.”

Spade, a Rochester native, spent four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League after being drafted by the Barrie Colts in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2003 OHL Priority Draft. The defender saw a lot of ice time in the OHL playing in a total of 227 regular season games over four seasons for the Barrie Colts, Belleville Bulls and St. Michaels Majors. Spade also appeared in 21 playoff games throughout his junior career. Spade played last season with the Hamilton Red Wings of the OPJHL where he recorded 30 points in 34 games.

“Steve Spade will be a big piece of the puzzle in terms of improving our blueline,” commented Muylaert. “His durability and dependability over his four year OHL career is a testament to his talents. We feel Steve will have an impact on our program immediately and will be counted on in all situations.”

Rizzi and Spade will join Mike Noyes (Caley Cup Player of the Year), as highly regarded prospects who have already committed to the Ridgebacks program for the 2008-09 season. The players were impressed with the UOIT campus and hockey programs and eagerly wait their acceptance to the University.
 
A QUICK LOOK AT TONY RIZZI
Forward (R)
Height: 6-4
Weight: 205 lbs
Born: September 15, 1987
Birthplace: Sault Ste. Marie, ON

2007-08 Statistics with the Wellington Dukes (OPJHL)
Games Played: 47
Goals: 18
Assists: 31
Points: 49
Penalty Minutes: 58


A QUICK LOOK AT STEVE SPADE
Defense (R)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 205 lbs
Born: December 10, 1987
Birthplace: Rochester, NY

2007-08 Statistics with the Hamilton Red Wings (OPJHL)
Games Played: 34
Goals: 5
Assists: 25
Points: 30
Penalty Minutes: 128

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)
scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca