Victoria, BC ~ The Victoria Grizzlies announced on Tuesday morning that they have signed Princeton University committed Dan D’Alessandro for the 2024-25 season
“I am excited to play for a coaching staff like the one in Victoria. I had many calls with coach Grimwood and knew right away he was someone I wanted to play for. After one call with coach Ferster I committed,” said D’Alessandro.
Dan hails from Essex Fells, New Jersey and spent time playing in high school with current Grizzly forward and Bruce Allison Memorial Award winner for 2023-24 BCHL Rookie of the Year; Chase Pirtle who also calls New Jersey home.
D’Alessandro has spent the last three years in the Long Island Gulls (U16 & U18 AAA) system where he was voted as team captain first in U16 and then in U18 as well. “I like to lead teams that I play for and lead by example both on and off the ice,” added Dan.
Most impressive on Dan’s resume is the fact that he committed to Princeton University at the ripe age of 16. “I am a hard-working two-way defenseman who is reliable in my own end but capable of jumping up in play as well,” said the New Jersey native when talking about his play style, which is sure to have been a lead reason that Princeton was quick to commit.
“I visited the city (Victoria) when I was younger and it is beautiful. There couldn’t be a better place to play. The winning culture with the franchise was also enticing, just everyone seems like a good person and wants to win badly,” the 18-year-old would close with.
Victoria continues their relationship with Princeton as graduating 20-year-old Luc Pelletier will join the Tigers program this fall, while current Grizzlies Centre; Malcolm Green had his name called by the New Jersey based school last year as well.
Welcome to Bear Country Dan!
