Men's Hockey | 3/14/2013 1:48:00 PM

ROCHESTER, NY - Former RIT standout forward Steve Pinizzotto (Mississauga, ON/Oakville Blades) made his National Hockey League debut with the Vancouver Canucks against the Nashville Predators on March 14, 2013. The 28-year old forward joined Vancouver teammate Chris Tanev (Toronto, Ontario/) as the only former RIT players to suit up in an NHL contest. Pinizzotto played 11:01, fired one shot on goal, was credited with four hits, and got into a fight, as Vancouver rolled to a 7-4 win.

Pinizzotto left RIT after his sophomore season and signed with the Washington Capitals in March, 2007. Pinizzotto was called up to Washington on March 24, 2009, but did not dress. In July, 2011, Pinizzotto signed with Vancouver after spending four seasons in the Washington organization. He was a part of two Calder Cup Championships with the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears. He had appeared in 24 games with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL in 2012-13, with 12 points.

Pinizzotto was slated to make his NHL debut with Vancouver in 2011-12, but suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason. He has played in 234 AHL games in six seasons.

The Mississauga, Ontario native helped lead RIT to the 2007 AHA regular season championship. Pinizzotto recorded 22 goals and 40 assists for 62 points in 58 career games for RIT from 2005-07. He also had 12 power-play goals, 112 penalty minutes and was a plus-1.  Pinizzotto led the squad in scoring with 44 points on 13 goals and 31 assists in 34 games during the 2006-07 season.

“We are very excited for Steve, as he has really paid his dues to get to the NHL," said RIT Head Coach Wayne Wilson. “It's great to see Steve's hard work and dedication pay off."