The Nipawin Hawks are excited to welcome back a familiar face on the blueline as 20-year-old defender Vito Biondo III is back with the club after a stint with the Maine Nordiques of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
With just one 2004 born player on the roster until Wednesday, the veteran rearguard from St. Louis, Miss. will be a welcomed addition to Nipawin’s backend. General Manager Tad Kozun admitted the call to return for a third year from Biondo was a nice one to get.
“Losing Vito on the blueline in the summer was a tough blow to our plans, but to hear he wanted to return to Nipawin and conclude his career where is started, in black and gold was a great call to receive,” Kozun said. “Vito will inject instant minutes to our defense group and his experience can help the young group develop along with Henry (Smith).”
Biondo has suited up for 92 games in the regular season over the last two years scoring four times, adding 25 assists and putting up 128 penalty minutes. He was also in all five games against Humboldt in the playoffs two seasons ago as a rookie.
He will return to the Hawks lineup Friday in Yorkton.
