The Niagara IceDogs announced on Tuesday that Pano Fimis, the second-overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection Draft, has signed a Standard Player Agreement, committing to the team. The 5’10” center played the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons with the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s Toronto Jr. Canadiens.
“A strong body, Fimis gathers speed in the neutral zone before entering the zone for either a quick dish to his wingers or attacking the defenseman one on one,” said NZ scouts. “Was strong on the face off dot along with some gritty play in his defensive end as well, often leading the charge up ice. He got better as the game went on and feeds off momentum built through cycles and scoring opportunities to get him going.”
In 59 games played, the Richmond Hill born 15-year old has scored 41 goals, collected 63 assists, totalling 104 points. He has a 65.24% face-off percentage in 59 games.
In the 2018-19 season, his first with the Jr. Canadiens program, Fimis was named an Alternate Captain. In the 2019-20 season, he wore the Captain’s “C”. He helped the Toronto Jr. Canadiens win the GTHL’s playoffs. They would have been the number one seed for the GTHL at the OHL Cup.
“I could not be more thrilled at the game Pano will bring to Niagara,” said Niagara GM Joey Burke. “He does everything at an elite level, has unbelievable leadership qualities, and already embodies an IceDog on and off the ice. I could not be more excited to make this official and welcome Pano and the Fimis family to Niagara. I can’t wait for fans to see him and our bright young group!”
Fimis was selected for the GTHL’s 2020 Top Prospects Game. He represented Canada at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he captured bronze. He was named the 2020 GTHL Player of the Year. Previous winners of this award include Shane Wright, Jamie Drysdale, and Connor McDavid.
’04 D Michael Buchinger signs with Guelph Storm
Guelph Storm have received a commitment from Michael Buchinger and his family and have signed a Standard Player Agreement with the club.
Buchinger, a 5’11, 170 lbs defenseman from Stouffville, Ontario, was the 24th overall pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.
The 2004-born Buchinger is a product of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens Minor Midget AAA program in the GTHL. During his minor midget AAA season in 2019-20, Buchinger posted 9 goals, 24 assists and 33 points in 54 games with the the Jr. Canadiens.
“A high IQ puck possession defender,” said NZ scouts. “Buchinger often controls the pace of play when he is on the ice with effective passes and good D to D play. He plays an efficient game in his zone and rarely gets into trouble on the forecheck. Buchinger continues to also show he can skate the puck forward when he has space.”
’04 D Spencer Sova signs with the Erie Otters
Sova was the eighth-overall selection in the OHL Priority Selection and he’s a player our scouts are excited to watch in the future.
“Spencer is a Dman I am excited to watch develop,” they said. “He’s got good size and athleticism. He has always put up good numbers, but what makes me really start paying attention is his willingness and ability to defend. He plays stick on puck, but does not lean. He stays strong and square to the man without getting off balance or too far on his toes.”