Pinelli hunting Canadian spot at World Juniors
Luca Pinelli has represented Canada one time before, playing for Team Canada Red at the Capital City Challenge right here in Ottawa, a tournament that replaced the U17s in 2021.
Against two teams filled with his peers, including fellow Ottawa 67’s forward Chris Barlas, and the National Women’s Team which eventually won a gold medal at the Olympics in Beijing, China, Pinelli scored a pair of goals in five games, before earning a silver medal with a 5-4 loss to Team Canada Black.
That tournament featured many of the invitees for the Canadian World Junior team this season, including Calum Ritchie, Denver Barkey, Oliver Bonk, Tanner Howe, and Riley Heidt, just to name a few. Now, they’re back in Ottawa vying for a chance to win Canada’s 21st gold medal.
“Yeah, it feels great to be a part of that and have my name there, but the work isn’t done yet,” Pinelli explained. “I’m just hoping to make the team.”
Anytime you have the opportunity to wear a sweater with the Hockey Canada logo on the front, it’s an honour and a privilege. In Pinelli’s case, when the tournament is hosted in your backyard, it becomes even more special.
“I love this city,” Pinelli said. “I’ve been here for the last three and a half years, so it’s really exciting for it to be here. It would be a dream come true [to make the team].”
With Dave Cameron set to be the Head Coach at the World Juniors, it’s safe to say Pinelli’s evaluation has been going on for quite some time.
“He’s always evaluating my game, he has been for the last four years,” Pinelli said, not fearing the constant eyes on him that could make or break his bid to represent Canada. “I just do what I have to do out there.”
Outside of the Capital City Challenge, Pinelli’s only other Canadian experience came when he was named to the selection camp for the U18 tournament in the summer of 2022. While others have competed internationally a couple of times already, the 67’s captain needs to couple together what he has, and make the most of it.
That is a challenge he’s up for, he says.
“You’re playing with top guys at those camps and tournaments,” Pinelli said. “It gets you ready, and you know what to expect. I think I’m ready.”
Domestically, Pinelli has continued to be an elite player with the 67’s. In his OHL career, which now spans 217 games, he has 108 goals and 212 points.
Everyone can point to the big names in 67’s history and tell you how good they were. Logan Couture, Tyler Toffoli, Peter Lee, Brian Campbell, and the list goes on. In about 15 or 20 years from now, Pinelli’s name will probably be uttered in the same breath, but his quest is still young.
His goal tally has begun to creep into notable territory, currently sitting 24th in franchise history (only two goals shy of moving inside the top 20), surrounded on either side by the likes of Gary Roberts, Ryan Kuwabara, and Joe Talbot.
Though an incredible achievement already, which becomes only more impressive every time he lights the lamp, it’s not a concern for the Stoney Creek native.
“I don’t really pay attention to it,” Pinelli said, shifting the focus away from himself. “People like to look at their stats and stuff like that, but I just do whatever I can to help out the team. I just want to win.”
For the vast majority of the franchise’s history, Lee has controlled the top of the table in goals and points, and it’s unlikely anyone will ever top his 213 goals and 444-point records. That’s a bygone era, when goaltending involved much more kicking and flailing, and teams were averaging somewhere between a half-goal, and a full goal more every game in the NHL.
Since the turn of the millennium (the 2000-01 season), Pinelli is already one of the most prolific goal scorers to wear the Barber Pole, occupying the eighth spot, only six goals short of sole possession of third place, which is currently held by Austen Keating with 113.
In terms of legacy, however, Pinelli is far more concerned about being a good leader, and leaving the team’s young players in a position to succeed after he’s gone.
“I just want to be a pro and teach them the ways, so they can teach the next generation,” Pinelli explained.
