FORMER BLADE PRIGIONE COMMITS TO SELKIRK
Former Oakville Blades netminder James Prigione (photo credit - Izak Westgate/HHOF Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the Selkirk College Saints beginning with the 2013-14 BCIHL season.
The Guelph, Ontario native would join the OJHL as a member of the Aurora Tigers in 2010-11 after being drafted by his hometown Guelph Storm in the 15th round, 291st overall, of the 2007 OHL Priority Selection. He would play three games for the Storm, while a member of the Junior 'B' Listowel Cyclones from 2008-10. After joining the Tigers, Prigione would be traded mid-season to the Oakville Blades and top the goaltending chart the following season in 2011-12. He led all netminders with a 2.04 goals against average to take home the league's Top Goaltender honours and then posted a sparkling 1.91 average and .940 save percentage during the club's post-season run.
Congratulations to James on the commitment and best of luck out west!
Below is the official press release from Selkirk College:
The Selkirk College Men’s Hockey program is pleased to announce a playing commitment from goaltender James Prigione (Guelph, ON) to attend Selkirk College and compete for the Saints beginning in the 2013/14 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.
The 22-year old netminder closed out his junior career in 2012 with the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Oakville Blades, posting a 17-7-2 record in 28 regular season games. He led all OJHL netminders with a 2.04 goals-against average and .932 save-percentage and won the league’s Top Goaltender award for the 2011/12 season. His strong play carried over into the playoffs, where he once again topped the OJHL with a 1.91 GAA and .940 SV% over 11 starts while leading the Blades to a berth in the West Division finals.
Prigione has also made a trio of Major Junior appearances with his hometown Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League, picking up a pair of wins and recording a 2.09 GAA and .918 SV% during the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons.
"We’re very excited to add a goaltender of James’ ability and experience level to our team," says Saints head coach Jeff Dubois. "James is an athletic goaltender who put together a tremendous season as a 20-year old in Oakville. I expect him to step in to our line-up and be a big contributor in the BCIHL."
Prigione’s commitment follows the departure of Myles Hovdebo, who had previously signed on with the Saints before receiving an offer to play at the University of Calgary.
"Myles had a great opportunity to compete at the CIS level that he couldn’t turn down," says Dubois. "We’re very pleased for him, and also glad that we were able to bring James on board to fill a very important role with our team."
Prigione plans to study Business Administration at Selkirk College.
"I’m excited to continue my education out west and have the opportunity to play for such a successful hockey program," says Prigione, who describes himself as an athletic goaltender with quick foot speed and strong positional play. "I’m also looking forward to meeting my new teammates and spending time with family in the area. I love the idea of playing in a region so rich in hockey tradition, and hopefully contributing to another BCIHL championship at Selkirk."
