NEWS

Wellington Dukes netminder Anthony Popovich (photo credit - Ed McPherson/OJHL Images) has officially signed with the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) Guelph Storm for the 2016-17 season.

The Belleville, Ontario native is a product of the Quinte Red Devils Minor Midget 'AAA' organization, where he recorded a 1.32 goals against average in 34 games and was selected by the Storm in the 7th round, 134th overall, of the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.

Joining the Dukes this past season, Popovich was one of just two 16-year olds to make the team and picked up his first Junior 'A' shutout on October 25, 2015 in a 3-0 win over the Lindsay Muskies.  He finished the season with a 2.34 GAA and a .908 save percentage, both tops among 1999-born OJHL netminders.

Dukes General Manager and Head Coach Marty Abrams stated, " We are very excited for Anthony and his family on his commitment to the Guelph Storm. He had a terrific rookie season with us and he deserves this opportunity in the OHL. Anthony is a first class individual and we wish him all the best with the Guelph Storm."

Congratulations to Anthony on the commitment!

Below is the official press release from the Guelph Storm website (www.guelphstorm.com):

The Guelph Storm Hockey Club announced today that Anthony Popovich, the team’s 7th round pick in 2015, has signed a Standard Player Agreement with the Storm.

The Belleville native played for the Wellington Dukes of the OJHL this season, one of just two 16 year olds to make the roster. His 2.34 Goals against average and .908 save percentage in 15 games topped all OJHL 16 year old goalies.

“We are very excited to have Anthony commit to the Storm and we look forward to having him reach his significant hockey and academic potential”, Storm GM Mike Kelly said.  “We were very excited when we drafted Anthony last April, and we have been very pleased with his development this year with the Wellington Dukes.  We welcome Anthony and his family to the Storm family and would like to thank both the Quinte Red Devils and Wellington Dukes organizations for the great jobs they have done in getting Anthony ready to play in the OHL.”

Popovich will join the Storm prospects at the annual Prospects Day on May 14th.