The Surrey Eagles have acquired forward Adamo Santia from the Milton Menace (formerly Newmarket Hurricanes) of the Ontario Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations. The 2001-born Santia scored 14 goals and added 25 assists for 39 points in 53 games in his rookie Junior A season last year. He would later add 5 points in 12 playoff games.
The Richmond Hill, Ontario native is described as a “power forward” by Eagles head coach and associate general manager Cam Keith. Keith is very excited to land the 6-foot-1, 180 pound forward who brings an element that the team was missing heading into the 2019-20 BCHL season.
“He’s a physical forward that also possesses high end hockey sense,” Keith explained to SurreyEagles.ca. “He’s a natural goal scorer that can create offence in transition and below the dots.”
Making the move out west will be a big adjustment for Santia, who also had offers from major junior clubs back home in Ontario. His decision to embrace the trade to Surrey came down to a combination of his desire to seek out a NCAA division I scholarship and the positive reputation of the BCHL as a league.
“From everything I’ve heard about the BCHL, it seemed like such a great opportunity,” said Santia, speaking about the trade. “When I first found out I had a chance to come out west, I was really excited. Growing up in the [Toronto] area, major junior seemed like the way to go – but thinking about what my personal goals are, and seeing the success that the BCHL has had moving players on to that next level in college, I’m happy with the decision.”
In terms of his playing style, Santia agrees with coach Keith’s assessment. Eagles fans can expect to see physicality and playmaking ability when he is on the ice.
“I’d say I’m a power forward,” Santia acknowledged. “I like to make plays by getting into the dirty areas. I work hard and chip away each shift. I’ll do anything I can to help my team succeed.”
Santia won’t be alone in the BCHL when it comes to former teammates. Fellow Newmarket Hurricane Adam Trotman was acquired by the divisional rival Coquitlam Express earlier this offseason, and he’s excited to face off against his former line-mate when the home portion of the schedule gets going on September 13th.
Living away from home for the first time will be another major adjustment for Santia, who didn’t require a billet family with Newmarket. He’s excited for that challenge, and being able to grow with his fellow Eagles teammates.
“The team we had last year in Newmarket was pretty young. People didn’t expect us to do anything, but I think we had a decent year with the young roster we had. I’m excited to do it again. I think living away from home will give me a chance to grow as both a person and a hockey player. That’s another big thing that I’m looking forward to.”
He’ll report to camp in mid-August with the rest of the team in preparation for the pre-season schedule, then the regular season kicks off on September 6th in Prince George.
Welcome to Surrey, Adamo!
