Praise for Nicholas Porco
Saginaw Spirit first rounder Nicholas Porco isn’t putting up big points as a 16-year old Ontario Hockey League rookie. But there is no reason for worry, according to Saginaw general manager Dave Drinkill.
Porco, a Sault Ste. Marie native who Saginaw took with the fourth pick of the first round at the 2017 OHL draft, has suited up for 33 games for the Spirit thus far in 2017-2018 and has modest totals of 2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points.
But in the words of Drinkill, “everything is good” regarding Porco, who is a 6-foot, 170-pound left winger.
“I know his numbers aren’t where any one wants them and from the outside looking in they don’t look great but Nicholas is developing and playing the right way,” Drinkill relayed to Hockey News North.
“Nicholas is playing good minutes for a 16-year old, he has just had some bad luck and is snake bitten but it is coming for sure,” assured Drinkill.
“I don’t get worried about numbers on a 16-year old player,” Drinkill added. “It’s all about adjustment to the league and getting ready for the years down the road.”
With some of the best young 16-and-17-year old talent in the OHL, Saginaw heads into play this week in fifth place in the tough Western Conference, sporting an impressive record of 23-17-4, good for 50 points.
PHOTO: Nicholas Porco, in action for the Saginaw Spirit.