With high school graduation ceremonies uncertain, teachers at Denis Morris High School wanted to send their grads a sign that they were thinking of them.
Getting drafted Saturday into the Ontario Hockey League by the Flint Firebirds was a big moment for Luke Gualtieri.
“I was really excited because ever since I started playing minor hockey, I had a goal of making it the OHL,” the 15-year-old St. Catharines resident said. “To finally see my name come up was a great feeling.”
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound South Tier Admirals left defenceman had discussions with Flint and a couple of other teams before the draft so it wasn’t a total surprise when they selected him 196th overall in the 10th round.
“Honestly, I am just happy to go (get drafted) wherever I went and to have a chance to go to camp and prove myself.”
Gualtieri realizes every rookie has the opportunity to shine at OHL training camps, regardless of where they were selected in the draft.
“Everyone goes to the same camp and now it is time to try and separate myself.”
The Grade 10 student at Denis Morris is excited to have that chance with the Firebirds.
“I have heard all great things about their organization,” he said. “They are a great team and I can’t wait to get started.”
Gualtieri realized he had a chance to get drafted into the OHL a few years ago.