Whalers Acquire Defenseman Gianluca Curcuruto From the Soo

Plymouth Whalers general manager and head coach Mike Vellucci announced today the acquisition of 18-year-old defenseman Gianluca Curcuruto from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in exchange for 17-year-old left wing Mitchell Dempsey and 16-year center Dylan Mascarin.

“With three defensemen leaving from last year’s team, we were looking to add more experience to our defense,” said Vellucci.  “Curcuruto is a young veteran who will help.”

Curcuruto was originally selected by Sault Ste. Marie in the first round (14th overall) of the 2010 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.  He played for Team Ontario at the 2011 World Under-17 Championships. In two seasons with the Greyhounds, Curcuruto scored four goals with 38 assists for 42 points and 62 PIM’s in 119 games.  Curcuruto was selected in the seventh round (182nd overall) by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Dempsey was originally selected by Plymouth in the first round (11th overall) in the 2011 OHL Draft and scored a goal with four assists for five points in 34 games last season as a rookie.  Mascarin was originally taken by Plymouth in the 5th round (93rd overall) in the 2011 OHL Draft.

Curcuruto (pronounced John-LOO-ka Kur-kur-ROOT-toe) is expected to report to Plymouth’s training in late August.  Plymouth opens the preseason on Sat. Sept. 1 against Windsor at Yack Arena in Wyandotte at 7pm.  The Whalers’ home opener is Sat. Sept.22 at 7:05pm at Compuware Arena against Belleville.

Tickets for all Plymouth games can be purchased by calling at (734) 453-8400.