STEELHEADS COMPLETE TWO TRADES WITH STING
The Mississauga Steelheads announced they have made two deals with the Sarnia Sting involving Ethan Del Mastro and Luca Del Bel Belluz.
MISSISSAUGA, ON – The Mississauga Steelheads have completed two trades with the Sarnia Sting. In the first deal, the Steelheads exchanged defenceman Ethan Del Mastro for Porter Martone (RW) and a 2023 second-round pick (FLNT). In the second trade, the Steelheads sent centreman Luca Del Bel Belluz to the Sting for Angus MacDonell (C), a 2025 fourth-round pick (LDN) and a 2026 fourth-round pick (SAR).
The Steelheads selected Del Mastro in the first round (#12 overall) in the 2019 OHL Draft. The defenceman was taken by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round (#105 overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft. At the start of the 2021-22 campaign, the defenceman was promoted to captain of the Steelheads.
Last season, Del Mastro put up 48 points (7G,41A), with a +34 record, setting a franchise high for single-season plus/minus. In the 2022 Coaches Poll, the Freelton native received the most votes in both the Best Penalty Killer (41 votes) and Best Defensive Defenseman (35 votes) categories. This year, defenceman has tallied 21 points (2G,19A) in 22 games, leading all Steelheads blueliners in scoring.
Del Mastro has earned himself three international gold medals, including a win at the 2021 U18 World Championships, and two back-to-back gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships.
Newly acquired Steelhead Porter Martone was selected fifth overall in the 2022 OHL Draft. Hailing from Peterborough, ON, the 6-2 winger has recorded 13 points (6G,7A) in 29 games. At the U17 World Hockey Challenge, Martone registered 12 points (7G,5A) in just seven games.
Luca Del Bel Belluz was selected in the third round (#51 overall) of the 2019 Draft by the Mississauga Steelheads. He put up 76 points (30G,46A) in the 2021-22 season, ranking him second in all-time single season points by a Steelheads forward. The Woodbridge native was invited to the CHL/NHL Top Prospects game last March and received the title of most improved player in the Eastern Conference in the 2022 Coaches Poll. In July 2022, the centreman was drafted in the second round (44th overall) by the Columbus Blue Jackets and signed a contract with the team in December. Del Bel Belluz has registered 41 points (20G,21A) in 34 games, second among all Steelheads players.
Angus MacDonell was drafted by the Sting in the first round (13th overall) in the 2021 OHL Draft. The Toronto-born forward registered 21 points (10G,11A) in 56 games in the 2021-22 season. MacDonell has 17 points (12G,5A) in 33 games this season, including a four-goal game against the Oshawa Generals on November 20th.
Head Coach and General Manager James Richmond commented on the acquisitions. “We are very excited to bring Porter, Angus and their families into the Steelheads organization. Porter is a big fast power forward with lots of skill. Angus will remind lots of Steelheads fans of Keean Washkurak. His compete level is off the charts. Angus brings lots of speed, skill and will be counted on to be one of our leaders. We look forward to seeing them in the blue and white very soon!”
Thank you to both Del Mastro and Del Bel Belluz for all your contributions to the Steelheads over the past few years and wishing you nothing but the best in your future careers!
