By Tyler Brown/ Wellington Dukes
Photo: Ed McPherson – OJHL Images
DiPaolo Commitment
The Wellington Dukes have long been one of the top teams in the CJHL at advancing players to higher levels of hockey and that long standing tradition of development continues as Dukes forward Nick DiPaolo has committed to the Niagara University Purple Eagles of the NCAA.
Nick, 17, in his first season with the Dukes after spending last season at Stanstead College, has been a key contributor for the Dukes this season despite being one of the younger players in the league.
To date, Nick has 9 goals, 14 assists in 45 games. Nick has also added 3 game winning goals. For his efforts, Nick was named to the OJHL’s In-Stat/Hudl Prospects Game in Collingwood, Ontario as part of the Leagues All-Star festivities.
Dukes Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations, Kent Lewis was excited and proud of Nick’s commitment to Niagara University. “Proud of Nick’s deserved scholarship, he is coming along very nicely as a first year player and as recognized by Niagara, has a promising future”. We look forward to enhancing his progress” stated Lewis when reached for comment.
DiPaolo stated that choosing Niagara was an easy decision for himself and his family. “My family and I were given an amazing opportunity to tour the Niagara campus and its facilities with an inspiring senior player. We had a chance to meet the coaching staff before and after watching the Purple Eagles play.
Coach Lammers and his staff believe in each and every one of their players. They focus on “the person, the student, and the player”. With this philosophy I knew it was the perfect fit for me.”
He went on to thank many people who have helped him get to this exciting point of his hockey journey. “I want to thank Coach Lewis, his staff, the Wellington Dukes organization, my billet families and all my teammates for believing in me. We’ve been having a very successful season while coming together as a new team and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys to play with. The best thing about playing for the Wellington Dukes has been the incredible support from the community.”
With his commitment secured, DiPaolo and the rest of the team can look forward and focus on locking down a playoff spot for the OJHL’s Buckland Cup Playoffs – where Nick is sure to be a big part of the teams success.