Matthew Virgilio commits to Greyhounds

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT. – Soo Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis is pleased to announce his latest signing from the team’s 2022 OHL Priority Selection class.

16-year-old defenseman Matthew Virgilio has committed to the program and signed an OHL standard player agreement and education package. The 6 foot, 183-pound rearguard was the Greyhounds’ fourth round pick in April’s draft.

“It’s great to officially be able to add Matthew and his family to our program,” Raftis said.

“As an elite player and gifted student-athlete, Matthew had a number of opportunities to pursue the next steps in his academic and hockey career on both sides of the border. We’re absolutely thrilled that Matthew believes in our program and has chosen to commit to the Soo Greyhounds organization.”

A Vaughan, Ont. native, Virgilio played this past season with the St. Andrew’s College prep team where he recorded seven goals and 24 points in 44 games played as the only full-time 2006-born player on the team.

“Matthew is a very polished defenseman who has the ability to move pucks efficiently, control play in all three zones, and also bring a physical edge and intensity to his game on the defensive side of the puck,” Raftis said. “The way he plays the game shows a high-level of maturity and poise that are rare traits to find with a player at his age.”

Prior to the ‘21/22 season, Virgilio previously spent time in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) with the Toronto Marlboros organization.

Virgilio indicated that he’s looking forward to starting his career in Sault Ste. Marie.

“I’m extremely honoured and excited to be able to sign with such an amazing organization and be a part of this community,” Virgilio said. “The Soo Greyhounds have been producing NHL players for years, making them one of the most established organizations in junior hockey, and to be able to surround myself with such amazing players, coaches, and staff, it will allow me to develop into the type of player I aspire to me. I’m more than thrilled to be part of the organization and can’t wait to get started.”

Virgilio will be on the ice with the Greyhounds at the end of the month as the team prepares to open up its 2022 Training Camp.