NEWS

St. Michael's Buzzers star netminder Adrian Ignagni (photo credit - Brian Watts/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the Niagara University Purple Eagles beginning with the 2013-14 Atlantic Hockey season.

Born on July 14, 1993 in Mississauga, Ontario, Adrian Ignagni grew up playing in the reputable Vaughan Kings and Toronto Marlboros minor hockey programs.

Ignagni tasted success with the Marlies program, teaming up with Belleville Bulls netminder Malcolm Subban to make a formidable tandem between the pipes.  The pair backstopped the Marlies to an All-Ontario Bantam championship in 2007-08 and again in 2008-09 as minor midgets.  During that minor midget season, the Marlies were the toast of the province, capturing the Marlies Holiday Classic, the Kraft Cup, the GTHL title and the OHL Cup.

Having attended St. Michael’s College School since grade seven, it was a natural that Ignagni would join the Buzzers Junior ‘A’ squad and he made the jump as a 17-year old rookie in 2010-11.  Spending the majority of the season as the club’s back-up netminder, Ignagni played in 19 games, while sporting a 7-3 record, 3.10 goals against average and a .898 save percentage.  The experience he gained during his first year of junior hockey proved invaluable as he entered last season as the club’s number one backstopper.

The 6', 170 lbs. netminder took the OJHL by storm during his sophomore season, kicking it off by winning the South-East Conference Gongshow Gear Player-of-the-Month in September by posting a 2.11 goals against average and a .939 save percentage.  Ignagni would carry that play throughout the season, receiving numerous accolades along the way.  He would earn the starter's role for Team Canada East at the 2011 World Junior 'A' Challenge that was held in Langley, B.C. and led his team to an upset victory over a powerful U.S. squad in the semi-final, ultimately capturing the silver medal following a loss to Canada West in the gold medal game.  During the Christmas break, Ignagni would also be named to the OJHL South Division All-Star Team that competed at the inaugural Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge that was held in Smiths Falls, Ontario and then finished the year by helping the Buzzers capture their first Division title since 2007-08.  Leading all netminders with 42 appearances and 2,495:41 minutes played, Ignagni would be named an OJHL 2nd Team All-Star, was the top vote-getter among Buzzer players for the first-ever Fan Favourite Award and was named runner-up to CJHL Player-of-the-Year Christian Finch for the OJHL's Most Valuable Player Award.

The past season, Ignagni's personal success was mirrored with his team success as well, finally capturing the illusive OJHL Championship that the Buzzers had not won since 2006.  He led the entire league with 30 wins and would finish third among all netminders with .927 save percentage, while also posting a 2.54 goals against average and four shutouts.  Ignagni would finish the season strong, winning the Gongshow Gear Goaltender-of-the-Month Award, and would carry that play into the post-season, leading the Buzzers on a lengthy playoff run.  Improving on his regular season statistics, the backstop recorded a 2.48 goals against average and .938 save percentage en route to the title.  Although coming up just short at the Dudley-Hewitt Cup, losing in overtime of the championship game, Ignagni almost singlehandly led them to their ultimate goal.

Congratulations to Adrian on both a fantastic OJHL career and best of luck in continuing his stellar play at the next level!