Anthony Lucarelli Ready To Prove He Belongs At The OHL Level

Getting drafted is the first step.

Anthony Lucarelli achieved that this week when the London Knights selected the centerman 39th overall, in the 2nd round of the OHL U18 Draft.

“It felt like a dream come true getting drafted by the London Knights,” said Lucarelli. “Such an established program with a history of winning. I grew up watching the London Knights and it’s an honour to get drafted by them.”

Lucarelli, who grew up playing for the Chatham-Kent Cyclones, spent this season, his Major Midget ‘AAA’ campaign playing for the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs.

After being passed over last season in his Minor Midget campaign, Lucarelli said he entered this season with something to prove. He did exactly that finishing 4th in the Alliance Hockey major midget scoring race with 17 goals and 39 points in 35 games, and 10 points in 10 playoff contests.

“I feel like I played with a chip on my shoulder this year trying to prove something,” said Lucarelli. “All the hard work in the gym and on the ice payed off. Just showed me that when something doesn’t go your way don’t get down, keep your head up and keep trying to get better.”

Now, Lucarelli needs to prove something else, that he belongs at the OHL level.

“I hope to show them I can eventually be a part of their organization,” said Lucarelli of joining the Knights in camp. “I’ve been working on my shot, stickhandling and speed. Obviously going into camp I’m going to work really hard to crack the roster. Their forwards are very talented so it would be difficult. If I can’t crack the roster I will be playing Junior B next season.”

Wherever Lucarelli plays next season, he will be an exciting player to watch in years to come.