Di Giuseppe, a Hurricanes’ second round pick in 2012, spent three years at the University of Michigan, cracking the top-five in scoring on the team during his last two seasons. Now that his time as a Wolverine is behind him, he is ready to take what he has learned and make the leap.
Di Giuseppe Profile
- • Made his professional debut with the Checkers at OKC on April 6th
- • Scored 78 points (33g, 45a) in 116 games over three seasons at the University of Michigan
- • Ranked second among Michigan rookies in goals, assists, and points for the 2011-12 season
- • Named CCHA Rookie of the Month for October 2011
The 20-year-old left wing is no stranger to Development Camp, having attended for the past three years, only skating in two due to injury. As a camp veteran, he knows what he needs to accomplish in order to make an impression on the coaching staff.
“It was my third year here, so I knew what to expect and it wasn’t that nerve-racking, but you obviously want to come in and prove yourself every year,” said Di Giuseppe. “It’s a hard week but it’s fun at the same time.”
Di Giuseppe showed flashes of his blossoming offensive prowess in the Development Camp intra-squad scrimmage, netting two goals, including a snipe that had some on-lookers proclaiming it the best goal of the game. But for those flashes to come more frequently, he might need to play slightly more selfish, according to Checkers coach Jeff Daniels.
“He showed a lot of offensive things where he’s not afraid to take the puck to the net and showed good hands,” said Daniels, regarding Di Giuseppe’s pro debut last season. “I think he’s a more of a passer than a shooter, and I got on him a little bit about turning down shots, but he’s a kid that’s excited to turn pro.”
Hurricanes Assistant to the General Manager/Video Scout Darren Yorke liked what he saw from Di Giuseppe at Development Camp, noting an improvement from his previous years here.
“You can really see the maturation with him,” said Yorke. “He does everything at high speed. He’s an excellent skater, he’s got an unbelievable shot and he’s got very slick hands.”
Having played three games with the Checkers last season, Di Giuseppe has a bit of a head start when it comes to adjusting to the professional game, something that should come in handy heading into his rookie year.
“It was just nice to get a couple of pro games in early instead of starting off in September,” said Di Giuseppe. “The nerves are out now that I’ve played my first couple of games.”
Di Giuseppe earned his first pro point with an assist in the final game of the season, and is confident in his ability to come in and make a contribution right away.
“I didn’t think the speed was that much different than college but I thought it was a lot more offensive, which will be better for me,” said Di Giuseppe. “It should be a good place for me to play.”
