NEWS

Hamilton Red Wings forward Nicholas Lepone (photo credit: Andy Corneau/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the SUNY Canton Kangaroos beginning with the 2015-16 SUNYAC season.

The Richmond Hill, Ontario veteran would play for five OJHL teams during his four-plus year tenure in the league.  After being selected by the Kingston Frontenacs in the 14th round, 270th overall, of the 2010 OHL Priority Selection, Lepone would join the Vaughan Kings Midget 'AAA' squad in 2010-11 and get his first taste of junior action, playing five regular season contests with the nearby Vipers.  The following season, he would make the full-time jump to the OJHL as a member of the St. Michael's Buzzers.

The 5'10" forward would have succes with the famed junior institution over a season and a half, recording 40 points in 82 regular season games while also getting his first taste of playoff action in 2012.  Lepone would be moved to the Pickering Panthers just prior to the 2012-13 trade deadline and would have his most successful offensive season with one club in 2013-14, finishing with 20 goals and 44 points in 50 games to finish fourth on the team in scoring, while helping the Panthers clinch a playoff berth.

After another quick start to this season, saw him at the top of the Panthers scoring charts with 24 points in 22 contests, Lepone was on he move once again, heading down the 401 to Whitby.  His stay in the East Division, however, would be short-lived as he was traded to the Hamilton Red Wings after only eight games with the Fury.  Lepone would be a key cog in the Red Wings push down the stretch for a playoff position that ultimately came up just short.  He finished the year as the club's leading scorer, posting career-high numbers of 25 goals and 52 points in 50 games played to close out his OJHL career.

Congratulations to Nicholas on the commitment and best of luck at the next level!