After assembling a stellar career as one of the most decorated defenseman to ever suit up for the Pioneers, senior Joey LaLeggia (Burnaby, British Columbia) inked a two-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers on March 31. The Oilers, who drafted LaLeggia in the fifth round, 123rd overall, back in 2012.
LaLeggia reported to the Oilers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Oklahoma City Barons, whose season is not over. The defenseman was quickly thrown into the lineup, playing in three games since his signing.
“The memories I have with my teammates will stay with me forever, as well as the great coaching I have received over my career. I was very fortunate to play with great players who prepared me for the next level. It’s a great opportunity to join the [Oklahoma City] Barons now. Any time you get the opportunity to get some pro hockey experience, it is great, and I’m really looking forward to my opportunity with the Oilers in the future,” LaLeggia said.
Sporting no. 26 on his jersey for his new team, LaLeggia’s first game came against the San Antonio Rampage.
The new setting quickly provided him a challenge, as he finished the game with a -2 rating and 0 shots on goal in the 4-1 loss. The next game against the Iowa Wild saw him turn in another unspectacular performance, registering a plus/minus rating of -3. However, the very next night, the 22-year-old defenseman rebounded with a solid effort, contributing an assist and a whopping four shots on net.
Defense is a difficult position to learn professionally, as many defensemen do not enter their prime until the age of 27 or 28. LaLeggia will need to show the Oilers some growth over the next two years in order to have a shot at making his National Hockey League (NHL) dream come true.
“The potential to play in the NHL is my dream, and has been since I can remember. I am so thankful that the Edmonton Oilers gave me this opportunity, and I will definitely be making the most of it,” LaLeggia said.
LaLeggia was lucky enough to be selected by a team starved for defenseman. The Oilers have struggled mightily on the back-end in recent years. The Oilers’ AHL team, the Barons, have experienced more success recently and clinched their fifth consecutive postseason berth. The Barons have three more games before beginning their postseason run at the Calder Cup.
LaLeggia, only 5’10” and 185 lbs., will need to prove that his size can be overcome. Sometimes facing forward players bigger than himself, his positioning and decision-making will need to be superb in order for him to succeed at the higher levels of hockey. LaLeggia has proven himself at every other level of competition so far, and it will be fun watching this young defenseman grow his professional game.
