Canzanello Commits

The best high school hockey player in southern Minnesota has committed to Minnesota State for next season.

Needing to find a replacement for the departed Kyle Peto, Minnesota State got a commitment from Rochester Mayo High School defenseman Nick Canzanello. Here's what the internet turned up on Canzanello:


- 5'10 165 lbs.

- Older brother Andrew played for Colorado College from 2000 to 2004.

- Recruited by Colorado College among other schools.

-Participated in USA Hockey's Select 15, 16, and 17 Festival.

-Named Outstanding Defenseman at 2006 Chicago Showcase Tournament for high school seniors.

-Named 2nd Team All State by the Associated Press

-Played for the Minnesota Blades AAA hockey team.

-This NHL Draft Preview says this about Canzanello:

D Nick Canzanello USHS - A riverboat gambler, underrate offensive defenseman from Minnesota High School. Has an explosive stride, moves the puck creatively, has slick hands. Needs to add bulk and work on his own end.

-I had this to say about Canzanello after seeing him play the Ted Brill Great 8 Tournament this past April:

Nick Canzanello-Defenseman-Rochester Mayo- If he was bigger, he would already be committed to a college and be playing college hockey next fall. He was the best defenseman I saw at the tournament. He did everything very well. He's an excellent skater, plays defense well, and scored two goals on Saturday to help his team steal a win. He'll be a solid, dependable defenseman at the college level.

And here is his (soon to be removed) listing from my 2007 Recruiting Board:

Nick Canzanello-Rochester Mayo HS(MN HS)-Extremely offensive-minded defenseman, sometimes to the detriment of the his defensive responsibilities. Has an excellent shot.