‘It can’t get better than this’.
Another former North Bay Battalion player is taking another step closer to playing his first game in the National Hockey League.
The Jets announced on Monday that former Battalion star netminder Dominici DiVincentiis has been recalled from his AHL club team, the Manitoba Moose, to the Winnipeg Jets.
The Jets have reassigned Thomas Milic to the Manitoba Moose. Milic appeared in three games, including his first NHL start on the road against Carolina on November 28. Milic went 0-1-0 with a 3.46 goals against average and .871 save percentage.
“We were going to get the two of them here. I want them around Flats (Jets goaltending coach Wade Flaherty). I want them to go through these practice days. I want them to see our shooters. I want them to be around our group,” said Scott Arniel, Jets head coach on NHL.com.
“These are two young goaltenders who are all part of the process of building. As we know, it’s a very, very tough position to play.”
Like Milic, DiVincentiis won some hardware in junior, taking home the 2022-23 OHL Goaltender of the Year award while playing in North Bay for the Battalion.
The 21-year-old found out about the call-up on Sunday, arrived back in Winnipeg with the Moose at 10:30 pm, and got ready for practice.
“Obviously super excited, but also tired getting off the plane. It can’t get better than this. You’re in the NHL, and these guys treated me amazingly coming in here today,” said DiVincentiis.
“I was with them for pre-season, but to see all of their faces again and hop on the ice with them is pretty special.”
Arniel added that DiVincentiis will get to play at some point. Winnipeg will play four straight games at home over seven days.
“Ultimately, I’ve waited for this moment to be called up, and now that I’m here,” said DiVincentiis.
“I’ve just got to continue getting better every day and wait for my opportunity.”