(Photo courtesy of: Jonathan Kozub)

It has been two years since the Winnipeg Jets drafted Dominic DiVincentiis, and since then, his record with the Ontario Hockey League’s North Bay Battalion stands at an impressive 63-18-6. During the recent Jets development camp, the 20-year-old reflected on the significant personal and player growth he has experienced over the past two seasons.

DiVincentiis expressed, “As a young guy entering this organization, I have the privilege of being surrounded by professionals every day, from the trainers and coaches to the actual players in main camp. Being in this environment, I have learned numerous valuable lessons, which I aim to apply when I return to junior hockey. I aspire to embody the professionalism and mindset of a pro on a daily basis.”

From the moment I was drafted at 16 years old until now, at 20, only four years have passed. Although it may not seem like a significant amount of time, I have dedicated myself to behaving and thinking like a professional athlete during this period. It is crucial to grasp the concept that to become an NHL professional someday, one must start honing their skills from a young age. Personally, I have undergone substantial positive changes from the age of 16 until now. This growth has taught me valuable lessons, but I am aware that there is always room for improvement. Each day presents an opportunity for me to work on myself and strive for further progress.

In the spring, there was a positive indication of DiVincentiis’ growth when North Bay emerged as a top contender in the OHL Finals. They secured the Central Division title and secured the second spot in the East Conference. Despite an exceptional performance in the first playoff game, the Jets prospect sadly sustained an injury in the following game, subsequently preventing him from playing for the remainder of the season. Despite personal setbacks, this Ontario native selflessly supported and encouraged his teammates, who ultimately made it to the conference finals but unfortunately lost in a seven-game series against Oshawa.

DiVincentiis stated that being a professional involves dedicating oneself to supporting the team and aiding teammates in their improvement on a daily basis. Through experiencing an injury, he discovered how to elevate his leadership skills and provide internal support to the team within the dressing room.

We stood united through the highs and lows we faced as a team this year, and I truly believe that it was this unity that led us to success. Our entire team came together as one, supporting and fighting for each other every single day. I cannot express how proud I am of the team we had this year.

#OHL Goaltender of the Month Dom DiVincentiis eclipsed the 70-win mark on his career, keeping the @OHLBattalion in contention for first place in the Central Division @NHLJets | #GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/s43XOlvKOI

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 1, 2024

According to all reports, it appears that DiVincentiis will be transitioning to the professional league in the upcoming season, signifying the conclusion of his tenure in North Bay.

DiVincentiis reminisced, “Throughout my childhood, my dad constantly reminded me, ‘Don’t be in a hurry, for time flies by swiftly, and before you know it, you’ll be making your debut in the OHL and getting drafted into the NHL. So, take things gradually, one step at a time.’ But as a young child, one’s eagerness to become a professional can often override such advice.”

However, now that you’re no longer returning to the organization you’ve been a part of since you were 16, and instead transitioning to the professional level, it’s as if you revisit all the memories you’ve made. You think about your teammates and all the guys you’ve spent countless days with. Your billet family, Bill, and their siblings become like a second family to you. It’s an emotional bond that you hold dear. Despite the change, you still maintain communication with nearly every guy on my team. As I mentioned earlier, we consider ourselves brothers and are making plans to reunite in North Bay over the summer.

The Jets appear to have a secure future in goal with DiVincentiis and fellow prospect Thomas Milic. Milic, who had his professional debut last season playing for both the Norfolk Admirals and the Manitoba Moose, played a crucial role in leading the Moose from the bottom of the AHL Central Division to a playoff spot. Despite being competitors within the organization, the two goaltenders are close friends off the ice.

DiVincentiis stated, “It’s evident that he excelled as a goalie in the WHL during his time there. It’s widely known that he possesses exceptional skills as a goalie and is an even more remarkable individual outside the rink. We have been in each other’s company for a couple of years now, and every time we meet, we effortlessly connect as close friends off the ice. Ideally, we would continue playing on the same team, fostering our strong camaraderie and pushing each other to new heights on a daily basis.”

However, as you mentioned, there is a constant internal struggle and competition between us. When we’re on the ice, we compete against each other and push each other to our limits, but it’s all in good nature. This competition ultimately helps us improve and reach new heights. Nevertheless, he is an exceptional person to be around. He has a great sense of humor and is an overall amazing individual. I just hope he feels the same way about me. Fortunately, we get along quite well with each other.