Porco off to Italy


By
July 17, 2022

Sault Ste. Marie product Nick Porco, who played four full seasons in the Ontario Hockey League as a speedy winger, has signed with Asiago HC of the International Central European Hockey League.

The 21-year old Porco, who has good size at 6 foot, 180 pounds to go with his blazing speed, has inked a four-year contract with Asiago, which is also a member of the Italian Hockey League Serie A as well as the ICE HL.

Originally a first round pick by the Saginaw Spirit at the 2017 OHL priority selections draft, Porco also suited up for the Barrie Colts and Owen Sound Attack.

Over the course of his four year OHL career, Porco netted 59 goals, 56 assists, 115 points while playing for six different head coaches. His most productive season in the OHL was the 2021-2022 term when, divided between Barrie and Owen Sound, Porco clicked for 25 goals, 20 assists, 45 points. It was in Owen Sound under coach Greg Walters that Porco became more of a complete, all around player.

A fifth round pick by the Dallas Stars at the 2019 National Hockey League draft, Porco played four games with the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League. Now, he gets to continue his pro career in a top level of European hockey for Asiago, which is coached by former star NHL goalie Tom Barrasso.

In signing with Asiago, Porco will be the youngest player on a team that also includes several former OHL standouts, notably 24-year old forwards Anthony Salinitri and Adam Mascharin, 22-year old defenseman Giovanni Vallati and 25-year old goalie Justin Fazio.

Salinitri (Soo Greyhounds), Mascharin (Kitchener Rangers) and Vallati (Kitchener) were, like Porco, all first round picks to the OHL. Fazio, meanwhile, was a top OHL goalie for four years as a member of the Sarnia Sting. Salanitri (Philadelphia Flyers), Mascharin (Dallas Stars) and Vallati (Winnipeg Jets) were, like Porco, all NHL draft picks as well.


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