Cory Genovese, who helped the Elmira Sugar Kings capture the Sutherland Cup as Ontario Junior B champions in May, has signed an Ontario Hockey League contract with the Kitchener Rangers.
The 6’2”, 200-pound defender was originally selected by the Rangers in the 13th round of last year’s OHL Priority Draft (258th overall) before spending the season with the Kings.
“Cory is a big, stay-at-home defenceman that also has an edge in his game,” said Rangers head scout Murray Hiebert. “He has the ability to clear the zone in front of the net and is a great penalty killer.”
Genovese, who turns 17 in October, played 43 games with the Kings this year and recorded three goals and five assists to go along with 84 penalty minutes. He added one goal – the winner in game-four of the Sutherland finals against Niagara – and 33 penalty minutes in 25 playoff games.
Genovese is the latest member of last season’s Sutherland Cup team to move on, following the departure of head coach Geoff Haddaway (replaced by Dean DeSilva), general manager Keith Stewart (replaced by Paul Jennings), overage players Jarred Parent, Matt Smith and captain
Josh Woolley, and forward Brad Kraus, who recently signed with the St. Thomas Stars.
Rangers training camp opens Aug. 31 at the Kitchener Auditorium.
