IceDogs sign first-round pick
Niagara IceDogs have locked up 2020 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection second overall pick Pano Fimis.
The five-foot-10 centre, who played the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons with the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s Toronto, Jr. Canadiens, has signed a standard player agreement, committing to the team.
“I am beyond thrilled to be adding Pano officially to the IceDogs,” Niagara general manager Joey Burke said. “This is a huge day in our organization’s history. To be able to add a talent like Pano is a game-changing addition, and one that you are rarely in a position to add.
“Pano has been our guy from Day 1. To be able to draft and sign a player that you had No. 1 on your draft board all year and to see things come to fruition today is very exciting.”
Burke feels Fimis has the skill set to step in and play major role as a rookie.
“I could not be more thrilled at the game Pano will bring to Niagara,” Burke said. “He does everything at an elite level, has unbelievable leadership qualities, and already embodies an IceDog on and off the ice.”
In 59 games played last season, the Richmond Hill native collected 41 goals and 104 points and was named the 2020 GTHL Player of the Year. Previous winners of the award include Shane Wright, Jamie Drysdale, and Connor McDavid. He had a 65.24 face-off percentage and acted as team captain as the Jr. Canadiens captured the GTHL’s playoff championship.
Fimis was also selected for the GTHL’s 2020 Top Prospects Game and represented Canada at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Switzerland, where he captured bronze.
“I am honoured and proud to announce that I have officially signed with the Niagara IceDogs,” Fimis said. “I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates, and playing at the Meridian Centre. I am super excited to get things started with the IceDogs organization.”
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