The Trail Smoke Eaters can add another name to their college-commitment list and the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack hockey team has solidified its defence with the signing of Curtis Tonello.
“I chose TRU because it’s in a nice city and I have heard great things about the school and the hockey program,” says the 6’1” Tonello, who played his minor hockey for the North Shore Winter Club and played Major Midget for the Vancouver Rangers/Canadians.
“Curtis has a reputation for being a gritty, hard working defenceman who prides himself on his defensive responsibilities,” said WolfPack general manager Chris Hans. Tonello played 56 games for the Smoke Eaters in 2010-11 scoring a goal and adding 11 assists. He had 26 minutes in penalties. Trail played seven playoff games last season with Tonello notching one assist and six penalty minutes.
“I can’t say enough good things about Curtis,” stated Trail coach/GM Bill Birks. “He is a great leader. He ran our gym program this past year. Curtis is someone who is very reliable. He will play through injury and is always willing to compete. He is a great stay at home defenceman.”
Tonello played a season and a half in Trail after starting his BCHL career in 2008-09 with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. In 2009-10, he notched 2 goals 16 assists and 33 minutes in penalty time. His rookie season (2008-09), the 187 pound Tonello had a goal and six assists and 44 minutes in penalty time in 48 games.
“I was looking to play NCAA Hockey in the states but decided to stay in Canada,” he adds. “I have heard TRU is a very strong team and just fell short of winning the league and that its run very much like a high level junior team.” Tonello will be enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program at TRU.
