Kitchener Rangers sign USHL forward Adam Valentini

One of the most exciting prospects in the Kitchener Rangers’ player pipeline has now officially signed with the team.

Forward Adam Valentini has officially signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Rangers after spending last season with the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League. During a press conference to announce the signing on Thursday, Valentini called it an honour to sign with a “world-class organization.”

“I think it’s what suited me best and I want to play here; can’t wait to get going,” he said. “Playing in the Ontario Hockey League is a dream come true for me. Being able to do that and go to school afterward, it’s great.”

This past season with the Steel, Valentini tallied up 39 points in 58 games (17 goals and 22 assists). He was also a member of Canada White during the U17 World Hockey Championships, collecting nine points (four goals and five assists).

During the 2023-2024 season, he played for the Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA club in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), recording 134 points (52 goals and 82 assists) in 57 games. Valentini was born in Toronto and said he plans to go to the University of Michigan for school after his OHL career.

“We are very excited to welcome Adam and the Valentini family to the Rangers,” said Kitchener Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie in a press release. “Adam is coming off a very good season in the USHL. With his skill, hockey sense and offensive creativity, we expect him to make an immediate impact with our team.” 

The Rangers acquired the rights to Valentini in a trade with the Brampton Steelheads nine months ago to the day on September 5, 2024. He was originally selected by the Steelheads 13th overall in the first round of the 2024 OHL Priority Draft.

Sam and Paula Valentini, Adam’s parents, said they are excited for their son and are thrilled to be in Kitchener.

“Kitchener has a super fan base we know between them and London it’s a toss up” said Sam Valentini. “So, we’re very excited for Adam to come here and contribute to that success.”

Valentini will report to training camp and will wear number 92 in the upcoming season, the same as former Kitchener Ranger and current captain of the Colorado Avalanche Gabriel Landeskog.