Who will take the gamble on Chiarello?

By Jessica Haskin
Gene Chiarello has had quite a successful junior and college career as to date but has never gotten his chance to play with the pro’s.

Chiarello played his juniors with the London Knights of the OHL and posted save percentages of .844, .906, and .908 on a team that had little defense.

Chiarello, Tom Kostopoulos, and John Erskine led the team to the OHL finals in ’99, the furthest the Knights had ever made it in the history of the team. Chiarello backed the team making up to 60 saves some nights.

He was invited to Buffalo’s training camp in ’99 but was released and went back to the Knights. He went to the Columbus Blue Jackets rookie camp and was hoping he might be able to crack the line up there. Although he had a good camp he was released, unable to get into the Blue Jackets system already containing six goalies.

What is the reason that so many teams have passed over him? Is it his “losing” record? Is it his willingness to take that gamble, diving way out of his net for the puck? Will playing with the Varsity Reds of the University of New Brunswick and a winning record help some pro teams to take that second glance?

Chiarello has played every game this season with the Varsity Red’s. He had a shaky start but now has a six game run without a loss.

“He’s been a real good addition for our hockey club” said Coach Gardiner MacDougall.

He came in as a freshman and has responded very well to the new players and the difference in the game. He continues to get better with every game he plays.

The Atlantic division selects their best players from every position to form a team to go play a tournament in Poland. Chiarello is being strongly considered for the goaltender position and with the strong game he has had of late he should be in Poland soon.

If he continues to impress his current coach he’ll also impress the scouts. Until then he’ll continue his education and hockey career in New Brunswick.