Posa returns

by Mitchell Brandner

They say you can never go home again.

Former Windsor Spitfires captain Saverio Posa returned to Windsor for the first time since being traded. Posa was dealt to the Guelph Storm Jan. 9, a day prior to the Ontario Hockey League trade deadline, in return for a fourth round draft pick. He has put up four points in nine games since the trade, and has impressed Storm head coach Scott Walker.

“He plays a lot of minutes for us,” said Walker. “He’s a great kid. He works hard and he’s shown a little bit of offence for us and we’re really enjoying it.”

Leadership and professionalism is part of what makes Posa a coveted player. As an overager he has been there and done that. There and that includes hoisting the Memorial Cup for the Spitfires in 2011.

“He’s a very professional, work-like man and I knew he’d be ready to go,” said Walker.

In the grand scheme of things, returning to Windsor for a regular season game shouldn’t be too difficult.

“I think it was more excitement than anything else,” said Posa. “You want to do well in front of what you used to call your home crowd and you want to do well to help your team win. I think it was just a real excitement thing knowing I get to play in front of my old fans.”

Walker penciled Posa into the starting line-up. The move worked as Posa finished the game plus-two with an assist.

“Once you get the first one out of the way with the jitters then you realize it’s just another hockey game,” said Posa.

With a shortage on the backend, the Spits could use Posa to fill that spot. The Spits haven’t selected a new captain since dealing him, but there isn’t a shortness of leadership in the dressing room.

“We don’t have a captain, no one has a “C” on their jersey, but there are a lot of leaders on this team,” said Spitfires assistant captain Brady Vail. “A lot of guys can step up and lead the way for everyone else.”

It was obvious that the Spits weren’t going to take it easy on their former captain. Forward Ben Johnson was one of a few Spits who landed hits on Posa.

“He’s the same as every other player,” said Vail. “You want to hit everyone hard. It’s hard to be friends on the ice, but before and after the game he’s a great guy. He’s on the other team so he’s the same as everyone else.”

Posa said he has no hard feelings toward the Spitfires organization. Trades are part of the business, and Posa seems to be thriving in Guelph.

“I left Windsor on such a high note,” said Posa. “I was really close with all the guys. It’s one of those things you have to battle it out, but you’re still friends with them during the week.”