Flint inks first rounder
Any concerns that the new look Flint Firebirds would have difficulty signing their first round pick from the 2021 Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft have been addressed.
That is, Flint has confirmed that big defenseman Tristan Bertucci has committed to an OHL standard player agreement with the Firebirds.
“We are very excited and happy that Tristan Bertucci has committed to our hockey club,” relayed Firebirds president of hockey operations Terry Christensen. “Tristan has great potential to become an elite defenseman in the OHL and we can’t wait to get him (to Flint) for training camp.”
Bertucci, who was taken with the seventh overall pick at the recent OHL priority selections process, has spent his last two seasons with the Toronto Marlboros of the Greater Toronto Hockey League.
Bertucci called his commitment to Flint and the OHL “a great feeling.
“They just hired a great coaching staff with tremendous experience and I’m thrilled to be joining the Firebird organization,” said Bertucci in referring to Flint’s recent hiring of head coach Ted Dent, associate coach Kris Sparre and assistant coach Jared Nightingale.
During the 2019-2020 season, Bertucci put up 23 points in 34 games played with the aforementioned Toronto Marlboros. The 6-foot-2, 180 pound, left handed defenseman saw the 2020-2021 season affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Getting drafted has only made me work harder,” said Bertucci. “I am still continuing to work out and train on the ice while concentrating on my strength and conditioning off it. I can’t wait to get started.”
Bertucci is known for having a high hockey IQ and for his composure in handling the puck.