Former 3rd rounder to Flint
Better late than never. Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League have confirmed the signing of 2007 birth year defenseman — and future Harvard University commit — Luka Graziano to a standard player agreement.
Graziano was taken by Flint in the third round of the 2023 OHL priority selections draft. He split the ’24-25 season between the West Kelowna Warriors of the British Columbia Hockey League and the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of the Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
Graziano totaled three assists in 22 games for West Kelowna and had one goal, nine assists, 10 points in just 13 games for Toronto. He also played for Toronto in the ’23-24 season, during which he netted seven goals, 16 assists, 23 points.
“I am very excited to be joining the Firebirds,” Graziano said. “Flint is a great organization which grants me the opportunity to advance my game. I can’t wait for things to get started later this month.”
Flint head scout Mike Oliverio noted that “Graziano is an offensive minded defenseman and an elite skater with very good acceleration who can cover a lot of real estate quickly. His IQ gives him the ability to find his teammates at the right moment, whether it’s a first pass zone exit or creating an offensive opportunity. His anticipation and agility allow him to clog lanes, and intercept passes while on the defensive side.”