Voodoos sign U16 Trappers defender

Mason Rotondo shakes hands with Voodoos President Jim Bruce in front of the Voodoo CF 101 jet near CFB North Bay. Photo courtesy voodooshockey.com


 

The Powassan Voodoos stayed close to home signing North Bay product and North Bay U16 Trappers defenceman Mason Rotondo, the club announced on Monday.

Rotondo, a right hand shot defenceman, had two goals and four assists for six points in 23 regular season games with the North Bay U16 AAA Trappers squad which played in the Great North U18 AAA League.

“It is just an honour, the coaching staff and the whole organization is unbelievable and I am really just honoured to sign here, with all the great skilled guys that are 16, to be one of them really means a lot,” said Rotondo.

The 5’9”, 155 pound defender also got into a pair of regular season games and one playoff game as an affiliate player with the Voodoos last season. He also joined the Voodoos full-time once his U16 Trappers season ended in the spring of 2023.

“It was really like an extra month of hockey and I could focus on my game; get better being with bigger guys on the ice every day, it certainly helped me and my craft,” he said.

During that time as an affiliate player with the Voodoos, Rotondo caught the eye of the coaching staff and continued to impress with his development over the summer.

“We are super excited to add Mason Rotondo to our line-up for the upcoming season,” said Peter Goulet, Voodoos head coach.

“Mason played in three games last year and proved as a player that he could hold his own in our league. Mason is a very intelligent player and understands the game very well we are expecting big things from Mason in his first full year as he grows as a junior ‘A’ player.”

Rotondo says he is a reliable two way defender and a capable leader. He was the captain of the U16 Trappers last season and he credits U16 Trappers head coach Scott Huycke for helping him get to this point.

“I want to thank him, he’s an unbelievable coach, he knows a lot about the game and I credit this signing to him as well for helping me progress over the years,” said Rotondo.

Rotondo will join the Voodoos on the ice for main camp which begins Friday, August 25 at the Powassan Sportsplex.