The Winnipeg Jets have signed netminder Domenic DiVincentiis to an entry-level contract.
The Jets have announced the three-year, entry-level contract for 19-year-old goaltender Domenic DiVincentiis.
The backstop's annual average value will be $858K should he being playing at the NHL level. DiVincentiis would make $80K annually in the minors with the American Hockey League's Manitoba Moose.
"It's something that I dreamed of as a kid," DiVincentiis told reporters at Jets development camp. "It wouldn’t be done without my family and the support staff that I have down in junior with the North Bay Battalion, as well as with the faith the Winnipeg Jets gave me. It’s something that I’ve really honoured and don’t take for granted."
Although announced this week, DiVincentiis said that the deal had actually already long been agreed upon.
"That got pretty much done last week," he smiled. "But they wanted to wait until camp to see everyone in person, shake hands. I just wanted to wait here to said thank you to them."
The 2022 seventh round draft pick did not attend development camp last - as there was not any such thing offered by the Jets - but did come to main camp. So he does have some familiarity with the city and team complexes.
"Winnipeg’s a beautiful city, so I’m excited," he said.
"I got to experience the facility last year, but definitely didn’t get to experience the city much when I was here. We got to see the Canada Life Centre yesterday: it’s beautiful. Can’t wait to get started here."
Suiting up in 48 games for the Ontario Hockey League's North Bay Battalion, DiVincentiis went 36-9-2 and put up a franchise-best 2.33 goals against average and .919 save percentage. He went 11-6-3 in the postseason, with a 2.41 goals against average and a .926 save percentage - equally great numbers.
In June he was awarded the OHL Goaltender of the Year award and was named to the OHL's First All-Star Team. He also cracked the CHL's Second All-Star Team. Making the First All-Star Team ahead of DiVincentiis is his now organization teammate in 2023 fifth round draft pick Thomas Milic.
"I had never met him, prior to this week here," DiVincentiis said of his youthful competition. "He’s a great kid and a great goaltender, so it’s definitely exciting that we’re both part of the same organization here. The hard work starts now."
And what exactly is that hard work, Domenic?
"The next step is to continue working hard and try to get to pro as fast as I can."