B.C. Division, WHL

Can Nicco Camazzola bring the boom on the blueline

Written by Adam Kierszenblat on

 

Nicco Camazzola is one of the more intriguing prospects the Giants have. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound defenceman has all the tools to be a force on the blue line. He also should play a key penalty-killing role this coming season. Fans should be excited as Camazzola is sure to bring that physical element the Giants need to compete in the tough BC Division.

Ready to step into a bigger role:

Camazzola only played three games with the Giants last season, but his hard work and physical style were impressive. The Giants had the eighth-best penalty kill in the WHL last season. If they want to repeat and even improve on last season, Camazzola needs to be a big part of the penalty kill. He can win those tough battles in front of the net and is not afraid to get in front of shots. With Longo, Byram, and Bafaro gone, this is Camazzola’s chance to make an impression. Look for Camazzola to be a big part of not only the penalty kill but also the physical play the Giants hope to impose this coming season.

Hoping for more offense:

When you get offense from the blueline, it helps the team succeed. This is one area of the game that Camazzola will need to work on to become a more well-rounded player. He produced 22 points in 40 games with the Vancouver NE Chiefs U18 team last season. The Giants are a highly gifted offensive team that relies on speed and the transition game. If Camazzola can find his teammates with breakout passes and get pucks towards the net from the blueline, he is sure to get on the scoresheet this season. Look for Camazzola to register around 10 points this season as he works on rounding out his game with more minutes.

Burnaby Winter Club:

Camazzola spent some time with the Burnaby Winter Club earlier this season. It is a strong organization that has developed WHL players like Ryan Pouliot and Gianni Fairbrother. Although he only played three games before the league shut down, that time with the Burnaby Winter Club should help Camazzola excel this season. Having coaches that had long careers as professionals is a huge asset. Hopefully, Camazzola can use that experience to have a breakout season.

Projection:

The Giants need someone to step up on the blueline, and Camazzola could be that guy. They are losing at least three key blueliners from last year in Bafaro, Byram, and Longo so this is the opportunity for Camazzola to prove he can be a solid shutdown defenceman in the WHL. He is one of the biggest and strongest players on the team. Bringing that physical side of the game will be crucial this season. Look for Camazzola to take a big step forward and be a mainstay on the penalty kill. He will also be relied upon to shut down the other team’s top players. Fans should be excited for Camazzola as he is sure to excite fans with big hits and solid defensive play.