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Francesco Pinelli

Francesco PinelliToronto Red Wings U15GTHLLF6’1″185Kitchener RangersWoodbridge, ON20032020-2021: A-

Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, June 2021: Franceso is a smart two-way forward who has had tremendous offensive success as a youngster. He has a smooth first touch which allows him to settle bouncing pucks along the wall with his head up anticipating his next play or quick outlet. At the U18’s he seemed to be able to get there first on every 50-50 puck and he knew what he was going to do before he won the battle. His power play goal against Sweden showed his under rated athleticism. He caught a clearing attempt, put the puck into his shooting area showing the puck poise to pick his spot and bury it. He’s a bit of an inside edge skater and is going to have to get a more explosive outside edge, but in my mind and eye he looks faster with the puck on his stick than without it.

OHL Gold Cup, May 2019: Pinelli one of the strongest skaters we have seen this year and he is just as fast with the puck on his stick. He can change gears quickly and with his high-end stickhandling evade defenders and find himself in great scoring areas. His offensive output wasn’t as dynamic as during the regular season but at times you see why he was one of top offensive threats in the GTHL. OHL Team: Kitchener Rangers – 1st Round, 13th Overall Grade: A-

Minor Midget International Silver Stick, December 2018: Pinelli is a physical, two-way center who supports his defender down low. He possesses many offensive skills including a highly accurate shot on the go and smooth edges. As this player raises his compete level and overall consistency he will raise his profile. He reads the ice extremely well and has a poise and calmness to his game. He switch gears with the puck using speed and quick hands to beat opponents. He also has a knack for putting himself in the right spots to receive the puck in all areas of the rink.

Wendy Dufton Memorial Tournament, November 2018: Pinelli is the type of player who makes you take notice of him each time he has the puck on his stick. He is an explosive skater who can accelerate quickly within a few strides. He has exceptional stick handling abilities especially in tight spaces. Early in the tournament Pinelli was dominant at times, dictating the pace of play offensively and controlling the puck. We continue to like his 200 foot game and ability to make plays in all 3 zones.

Toronto Titans Minor Midget Tournament, September 2018: A dangerous player on the attack, has powerful strides and great acceleration in the neutral zone.  His skating ability keeps defenders on their heels.  Francesco is capable to getting pucks to the net in tight space, he has a nice quick release on his snap shot.  Seems to get into good offensive areas, more production should follow.  Was impressed with his motor, always moving his feet.  Skated hard both ways, a nice back check on the PK shows his compete level.

Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

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