The Steinbach Pistons announced they've acquired 20-year-old goaltender Chris Quizi from the Oakville (OJHL) in exchange for a player development fee.
Spending the back half of last season with the Brooks Bandits, Quizi went 10-1-2, with a 2.38 goals against average, and a .913 save percentage.
Welcome to Steinbach
"It was kind of a whirlwind, it all happened so fast," the netminder says with a grin. "I got on the phone with Paul and right away, I knew it was going to be a great spot. I knew a couple of guys that have played here before, and they've had great things to say. Coaches are great, teams great, brand-new rink, it's going to be a really great year, and I'm very excited to be here."
Southeast Event Center wow's
Walking into the new facility, Quizi says he was blown away, and maybe that factored into his first few moments in the building. "I walked in on day one, and I got lost," he says with laugh. "I had to ask four people for directions, it was unreal. The first day I got there, it was the big concert, and that was something to see. I've never been in a building that held a concert in the rink."
First game impressions
Once he got himself situated, Quizi backed up during the Pistons preseason game against the Winkler Flyers, and he says he learned a lot while being on the bench. "It was pretty cool. We had a great fan turnout, too. It was just a preseason game, but there was quite a few people there, so that was really cool to see. Getting to experience the whole dynamic, how the team plays, the kind of pregame rituals, dialing my pregame rituals along with that, so it's good to get those going early. I'm already having so much fun with the boys, it's going to be a great year."
Why be a goalie
Quizi says he became a goalie thanks to an incident that took place when he was a young player. "I tried playing player at first, I maybe played two or three games, then I ran head first into the wall and I was just done. That was it. Never again. I started kicking guys out of the net so I could play goalie, then they just gave me the bag, and I just took'er home. I love being a goalie, love the pads, love being out there. You're in your own little space, do your thing, stop a puck, throw some chirps, it's a fun sport. Being with the boys, it's awesome. I love it."
Being listed as 6'3" tall as a 20-year-old, Quizi says he's always been a bit of a bigger goalie, but it took a little time to grow up. "Well, I've always been big. I used to be short and just kind of a chunky guy, and I had a huge growth spurt in grade nine. After that, I kept growing little by little. I like to say I'm tall, but some of these guys are massive."
Career travels
"I started junior in my 17-year-old year," the Bradford, Ontario, product explains. "I played in the OJ for the Toronto Patriots. I went through a few teams there, played two and a half years in the OJ. I got a call at like 12:00 a.m. to come down to Brooks, so went there, and had a great year. Really enjoyed it, a lot of really good learning experiences. Now, I've somehow landed in Steinbach, it all worked out. I'm in a great spot and I'm really appreciative of everything."
Here to win
As a 20-year-old heading into his final year of junior hockey, Quizi is very aware that he's been brought to a situation where he will be a key part of the success, and he loves the opportunity to a piece to put this team in title contention. "It's awesome," he says with a smile. "Obviously, trust is number one. You want your coach to trust you, and the last few days on the ice have been great. Getting to know Paul, getting to know Matthew Thiessen, the goalie coach, getting to know the boys. I can say, we're going to be a pretty good team. Everyone is excited and we all can't wait to get going."
Competitor, passionate, determined, all words that describe Quizi as a hockey player, and the netminder says he will not be shy to speak up if the situation calls for it. "100%. I feel like I'm a pretty talkative guy, personable maybe. I'm out here playing the game I love, having fun while doing it. Fans will see it, I'm always upbeat, keeping things fun, but also very dialed at the same time. In the room, I'm a veteran, an older presence, some might say. It's going to be new for me being a 20-year-old, but a lot of guys have done it before, so why not me? I'll go in there, be a good voice for the guys."
Being a good teammate
It wasn't long ago that Quizi was the young goaltender learning the ropes, but now as a veteran and with a younger guy behind him, he's going to take the leadership role and be a mentor. "For me, I've been in that position. I've been the younger goalie, so it's just knowing I've been in his shoes and I've lived it. I'll try and be a good leader, and an overall good guy. Off the ice and on the ice."
Being in the community is also important to Quizi, and he's willing to work. "It's a really great community, I'm excited to be a part of it. It's a little nicer than Brooks, Alberta, so I'm enjoying every second of it. I have great billets, and I'm on Paul to get me a job, but doing volunteer work with all the people in Steinbach will be a lot of fun, it's going to be great. More time I spend without a mask on in front of people, the better."
Having the family out
Already there are plans in the works to have the Quizi family come out to see all that there is to offer being a Piston. "Man, I cannot wait, and they cannot wait. I've been showing them pictures and videos, I've been talking with them a lot, and I can't wait to show them around town here. It might take a little time, but they'll get down here. They know I'm in a good spot, and that's all they need to know. I'm safe, stopping pucks, having fun, it's all you can do."
First ever number 60?
When it comes to his number, Quizi is open to what the Pistons have, but if he has the chance, he would like to be the first ever Piston to wear the number 60. "I haven't talked to Paul about it, but I think the options are 1, 30, and 35, maybe. But we'll see what happens, I'm not too sure what the number situation is. 60 is my number, I love that number. That goes back to Jose Theodore when he was on the Panthers, he was the man. I hope it happens, but it doesn't matter. Numbers are on the back, I only care about the logo on the front."
The Steinbach Pistons have two more preseason games this upcoming weekend, Friday night in Niverville, followed by a Saturday contest in Steinbach.