Steve Pinizzotto
stevepinizzotto@gmail.com
(647) 807-0126
As we look ahead to this season, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on the success of the Oakville Rangers program. Last year, the 2008 Oakville Rangers captured the OHL Cup, led by standout players like Ethan Belchetz and Callum Croskery - proof that elite talent isn’t limited to the GTHL. Go back a little further, and the 2006 Oakville Rangers team produced an incredible 10 first-round picks in the OHL Draft.
My name is Steve Pinizzotto, and I'm proud to be entering my fourth season as Head Coach of the U16 Oakville Rangers. Over the past three seasons, I’ve guided our teams to the OMHA Championships twice. It’s important to note that, as part of the LOR (Lake Ontario Region), Oakville faces a unique challenge - losing players to other teams at no cost. It’s a structural disadvantage we’ve had to battle through, and it makes our accomplishments even more meaningful.
Growing up, I played in the MTHL from novice to bantam before returning to the OMHA in midget, splitting my season between the Rangers and the Oakville Blades. I wasn’t drafted - but I kept grinding, eventually earning a Division 1 scholarship to RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology). After two years, I signed the first NHL contract in the school's history. That led to a 14-year professional career - 10 years in North America and 4 in Germany.
When I look back, it wasn’t about playing for the “right” team or in the “right” league. It was about opportunity. That’s what changed my life. I'm 1 of just 5 players born in 1984 from Toronto to play in the NHL - and I’m the only head coach at the 2010 age group with NHL experience.
I’m excited to bring that experience, passion, and belief in opportunity to our group this year.
Let’s get to work!
—Steve Pinizzotto
Head Coach, U16 Oakville Rangers