Spits players go pro

 

by Mitchell Brandner

A couple of Windsor Spitfires have made the jump to professional hockey.

Forwards Brady Vail and Alex Aleardi are having success early in their American Hockey League careers. Although the jump from junior hockey to professional hockey is a big step, both players are adjusting well.

“Guys are stronger, faster and a little bit bigger,” said Aleardi, who signed with the Springfield Falcons. “Once you practice with some of the guys and go through a game there’s not much adjustment after that. The guys are smarter and more skilled of course.”

Vail has joined the last place Hamilton Bulldogs and is getting plenty of opportunities to showcase his skills and learn the pro game. He has two points in six games and is being utilized on special teams.

“All the coaches and staff have all been great,” said Vail. “If they see me doing something wrong on the ice it’s not so much a yelling environment, they pull me aside and tell me what I can do to fix it. They’re just trying to help me become a better player overall.”

After playing on Windsor’s second line for most of the season and being the team’s shutdown centre, Vail has had to adjust to a lesser role in Hamilton. He said it’s about easing in to the professional level.

“I’m playing third line centre,” said Vail. “Not so much a shutdown guy, but just playing straight up against whoever is out there and making sure I don’t make too many mistakes. If we happen to score a goal it’s just a bonus.”

Both players had high praises for the Windsor Spitfires organization and are thankful for their time spent in the Ontario Hockey League.

“(The Spitfires) treat you just like the pro teams would treat you and it’s a world class organization,” said Aleardi. “Playing for them ramped me up and got me ready for what I’m into now. My adjustment phase was pretty easy.”

Vail and Aleardi hope to join the likes of Jason Spezza and Ed Jovanovski as former Spitfires who have had success in the NHL.