Photo Credit: Jack Murray
Penticton, BC: Vees captain Massimo Rizzo and defenceman Mason Snell have been ranked by NHL Central Scouting on the final 2019 NHL Draft rankings of the season. Rizzo was ranked 84th amongst North American Skaters and Snell 212th.
Rizzo, from Burnaby, finished his second season in Penticton with 11 goals and 29 assists in 37 games. Despite missing 21 games, Rizzo finished tied for first on the Vees with 20 power-play assists.
In the playoffs, Rizzo scored three goals and added three assists in six games. He also represented Canada at the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge in Bonnyville, Alberta, recording two assists in six games with Team Canada West. He is committed to the University of North Dakota.
Snell, from Clarington, Ontario, played just one season in Penticton after two in the OJHL with Whitby and Wellington. Acquired in a multi-team deal just ahead of training camp, Snell was immediately thrust into a top-pairing role with James Miller in Penticton.
While being matched up against opposing teams top lines, Snell scored five goals and added 15 assists in 52 games played and one assist in the playoffs.
He also played for Team Canada West at the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge, being held pointless in six games. He is committed to Penn State for next season.
The NHL Entry Draft takes place at Rogers Arena in Vancouver June 21 and 22.
The Vees have had 32 players drafted into the NHL from their franchise, most recently being Jonny Tychonick who went 48th overall to the Ottawa Senators in 2018.
