vees:blog

“There’s big, and then there’s football big.”

That’s Head Coach and GM Fred Harbinson describing incoming rear-guard Luke Cuardi.

Curadi’s measurements are like stories of Sasquatch sightings, as the details can change depending who is telling the story. Luke’s reported height varies from 6′4 to 6′6, and he tips the scales in the 245 - 260 pound range. No matter what exactly the numbers are, the kid is ‘football big’.

After a season with the Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League, Curadi got a chance to showcase his skill set at the New York Rangers prospects camp at the end of June.

Curadi had a scholarship lined up with U Mass, but has backed off from the decision to explore his options further as he develops in the BCHL.

Curadi is a physical force that likely needs a season or two in Canada’s top Jr. ‘A’ league to work on his craft. Comparisons to Kyle Bigos of the Vernon Vipers - who was drafted by the Oilers after a sound 19-year-old season - make a lot of sense with Curadi being perhaps a touch bigger, and more polished than Bigos when he entered the league. Being selected as an overage player in upcoming drafts wouldn’t be shocking, as players of Luke’s size are rare.

Any questions about the kid’s toughness (not the same as size) can be laid to rest with a few viewings of this piece of YouTube gold.

Not that impressed?? Well, that was an All-Star Game.

There may be a new sheriff in town.