Spitfires acquire Diodati

 

By Mitchell Brandner

The Windsor Spitfires have acquired overage defenceman Eric Diodati from the Mississauga Steelheads for a sixth-round draft pick.

With Pat Sieloff graduating to professional hockey this season, there was a hole on the blue line that needed to be filled. Assistant coach Jerrod Smith said Diodati can do just that.

“We’re going to rely on him heavily for some minutes,” said Smith. “He’s the type of guy who can play in any situation.”

With the addition of 20-year-old Diodati, the Spitfires have added leadership and a veteran presence to their back-end. He is the only overage defenceman on the roster.

After playing two previous seasons with the Mississauga Steelheads, Diodati said if it was necessary for him to be traded Windsor was where he wanted to go.

“I’m so fired up,” said Diodati. “I’m so excited to play in Windsor, that’s for sure. There are only a few places where you wish to get traded. This is one of those places.”

With five points in four games before the trade, Diodati is just one point away from matching his season total last year.  Diodati said he’s versatile, which will be valuable for the Spitfires.

“I’m a two-way defenceman,” said Diodati. “I can play any situation I think. I like to think I’m a power play guy and I’m a penalty kill guy. Whenever you put me out there I can play.”