North York Rangers netminder Gianluca Baggetta (photo credit – Timothy T. Ludwig/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the Utica College Pioneers beginning with the 2016-17 ECAC West Conference season.
The Maple, Ontario native is currently completing his third full season with the Rangers out the Toronto Red Wings Midget ‘AAA’ organization, where he last played in 2012-13. Baggetta joined North York as a 17-year old rookie in 2013-14 and showed he was a Junior ‘A’ calibre netminder while backing-up Jason Pucciarelli. Posting a 13-5-1 record in 21 games played, along with a 2.78 goals against average and .912 save percentage, saw him receive the most votes among Ranger players in OJHL Fan Favourite Award balloting that year.
Returning in 2014-15 as the club’s starting goalie, Baggetta would carry a heavy workload throughout the season, posting a 22-20-0 record with his win total ranking third among all OJHL goaltenders. His 45 games played and 2,524:49 minutes played were both tops in the league. The incumbant once again this year, Baggetta’s played a few less games, but lowered his goals against average back under the three mark, while posting a career-best .916 save percentage, ranking 10th best in the OJHL. Thus far in the post-season, Baggetta has the Rangers off to a hot start and up on the favoured Buffalo Jr. Sabres, while hoping to make a lengthy playoff run.
