ECHL: Domenic DiVincentiis Remains Perfect With Norfolk

The Norfolk Admirals have been on an incredible run over the last three and a half weeks as they have won seven straight games. They sit two-points back of the Wheeling Nailers, who are on an 11-game winning streak, for first place in the North Division, and sit in fourth place of the Eastern Conference. Over the last two seasons, it is the longest win streak they have been on. Last season, they reached six wins from Feb. 23 to March 6, 2024. Playing a huge part in their incredible run this season has been the outstanding play of Winnipeg Jets’ signed goaltender Domenic DiVincentiis.

Goaltending Disaster to Begin the Season

At the beginning of the season, it was looking as though goaltending may be an issue, and that showed to be true. Kristen Stead was the projected number one, playing three of the first four games of the season, but went down with an injury during the Oct. 26 game against the Maine Mariners. His first game back from injury was on Nov. 30 in a 4-1 win over the same Mariners. While his numbers are solid, bolstering a 2.02 goals against average (GAA) and a .907 save percentage (SV%), his record is not strong with a 2-2-0 record.

While Stead was on the injured reserve, they brought in another goaltender in Joe Cannata. That was when the Admirals goaltending was a huge problem. Dante Giannuzzi was named the back up to Stead to open the season. Though he had a 3-1-1 record in five games played, he struggled tremendously. He had a 3.42 GAA and a .874 SV%. Cannata was the same deal. He held a 2-1-2 record in five games played, struggling with a 3.69 GAA and .861 SV%. Through those wins, the Admirals had to drag their goaltending along.

Domenic DiVincetiis Providing Stability Between the Pipes

Since the addition of DiVincentiis on Nov. 19, he has provided a ton of stability between the pipes for the Admirals. He is a perfect 6-0-0 with a 2.26 GAA and an incredible .914 SV%. His wins came against the Reading Royals (2), Mariners (2), Adirondack Thunder, and Worcester Railers. Much like Thomas Milic was last season, DiVincetiis has been strongly reliable.

At just 20 years old, Dom DiVincentiis has showcased just why the Winnipeg Jets drafted him in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. His patience in the net, even on breakaways, is something young goaltenders should be watching. Rather than making the first move, like a majority of the goalies do, he is able to wait out any shooter to force them to make the first move. His movement in the crease has been fluid with little to no adjustments needed to be in position to make saves. Should he remain with Norfolk for the remainder of the season, this team has the ability to go far in the Kelly Cup playoffs.

With almost a week between games, the Admirals will have a ton of time to rest and reset with a few practices. They welcome the Cincinnati Cyclones to town Dec. 13-15 for a three-game weekend. DiVincentiis will have the chance to extend his and the team’s win streak next weekend.