As many overage OHL players are beginning to look to the future, defender Andre Anania becomes the next to sign a professional contract with the AHL's Charlotte Checkers.
Sudbury Wolves 2003-born defender Andre Anania has signed his first professional contract with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. This is a one year, two-way deal.
The Richmond Hill, Ontario native played three full seasons with the Sudbury Wolves, and closed out his major junior career this season playing a big role. Anania became a locked top defender for the Wolves in his final season, helping calm down the blue line.
Anania has grown into a very mature, reliable defender who moves well and always seems to make the right play. In a lot of games, it is difficult to notice Anania — but that's what makes him effective. He is quietly responsible and efficient on the back end.
The Sudbury Wolves had a lot of promise heading into this season. On paper, they have been one of the best teams in the OHL for several seasons. But after a second round loss to the North Bay Battalion in the postseason, a lot of Sudbury's players will be moving on.
Anania is one of those pieces that will be moving on, and now he gets to begin his professional career. He will begin with the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Florida Panthers.
The Checkers are no longer in the postseason hunt, and Anania will have to wait until September to get his first look in a professional game. He may not be the most eye-catching defender on the ice, but in the AHL he is going to be responsible defensively and provide a mature presence.