(Spruce Grove, AB) ?The Spruce Grove Saints are proud to announce that 2002 born forward Luigi Benincasa has signed a letter of intent for the 2020-2021 season.
The high scoring forward who hails from Edmonton, AB placed 3rd in the CSSHL (Canadian Sport School Hockey League) Midget Prep scoring and led his OHA Edmonton team after compiling 34 goals, 39 assists and 24 penalty minutes in 36 games played.
The 5?9? 161 – pound forward brings an elite offensive pedigree to the Saints and follows in the footsteps of the likes of Jordan Biro as a diminutive skilled player.
Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk looks forward to seeing Benincasa as a full time Saint.
?Luigi has a very silky skill set and all the tools to be successful offensively in our league. He has great hands, is agile on his feet and moves smoothly with a powerful stride for his size. There is a lot of similarities between Luigi and Jordan Biro, which excites us.? Stated Sklaruk.
?He (Benincas) creates time and space and finds the soft areas to get his shot off with great vision and hockey sense. Luigi is dangerous when you give him ice and he will capitalize on the others teams? mistakes. We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Luigi and his family and welcome them to the Saints.? Noted Sklaruk.
Benincasa was an affiliated player with the Saints for the 2019-20 season. Along with practicing with the team on a regular basis the 17-year-old appeared in 5 AJHL regular season games notching his first AJHL goal and adding 2 penalty minutes.
In those 5 games and practices Head Coach Bram Stephen knew Benincasa was a perfect fit to be a Saint.
?Luigi is a very intelligent and creative player, he sees the game and creates offense in ways that are hard to teach, he?s very cerebral.? Exclaimed Stephen.
?He?s (Benincasa) always created at every level and we look forward to the offensive tools that he brings in helping our team next year. Off the ice, he?s a smart, mature and very respectful young man and we look forward to working with him as a Saint and help in his development as a player and person.? Stephen finished.
Upon his commitment Benincasa spoke about his reasons to sign with the Saints and what he hopes to bring to Spruce Grove and the fans next season.
?I am looking forward to playing for the Saints fans and city of Spruce Grove. They have a winning culture and a strong development approach with players. I believe the Saints are an organization that can help me develop and improve, providing success in my hockey career moving forward. Rob, Bram and all the staff push a strong work ethic on and off the ice and set high expectations.? Exclaimed Benincasa, who then spoke a little about himself.
?My game has always featured a strong offensive one. I have always been fortunate enough to put up good numbers and I hope to bring that same success to the Saints. I can?t wait for the fall.? Benincasa concluded.
The Saints would like to congratulate Luigi on his commitment and welcome the Benincasa family to the organization.
Saints Early Bird Season Tickets are available online now at tickets.sprucegrovesaints.ca ? secure your seats now at an incredibly discounted rate.