Rangers part ways with overage forward Antonino Pugliese

A fan-favourite at The Aud has been let go.

20-year-old forward Antonino Pugliese was released by the Kitchener Rangers yesterday, as the return of fellow 20-year-old forward Trent Swick from Golden Knights training camp left the Blueshirts with too many overage players.

Teams in the OHL can only have three players 20-year-old players on their roster each season.

Kitchener’s three overage players are Swick, goaltender Jackson Parsons, and forward Adrian Misaljevic.

“Antonino beat the odds of playing in the OHL as a 14th-round pick and left his mark on the ice and off the ice with his charity work in the community,” said Kitchener Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie in a press release. He was a fan favourite with his relentless work ethic on the ice and we will miss him. It is unfortunate with the OA numbers game we had to make this difficult decision.”

“We wish Antonino the best of luck moving forward.”

Pugliese played 137 games as a Blueshirt, putting up 38 points in his four-year career in Kitchener.

Pugliese’s impact on the local hockey community extended beyond the ice, as his “Pug Life” campaign raised money for families and children battling cancer, partnering with the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario to sell shirts with his iconic nickname and face.

Pugliese overcame adversity to even make the Rangers roster, having been drafted in the 14th round in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, and he will be missed by the organization for his resilience and determination on the ice.