Massimo Rizzo in 2016 (Image Credit: Kamloops Blazers)

By Chad Klassen

MASSIMO RIZZO

Rizzo determined to commit to another NCAA program, not Kamloops: Blazers GM

Jul 13, 2020 | 4:56 PM

KAMLOOPS — When Blazers GM Matt Bardsley learned one of his prospects, Massimo Rizzo, had de-committed from the University of North Dakota last week, he texted the family right away.

But with a quick text back from the Rizzo family saying the plan was still to pursue NCAA hockey, any chance of a conversation to convince the 19-year-old to come to Kamloops was pretty much dead.

“His focus right now is he wants to commit to another school, so right now he de-committed from North Dakota but he’s looking at other schools to commit to right now,” said Bardsley. “We talked about our option for them, but right now they’re focused on continuing down the path to the NCAA.”

From the moment Bardsley was hired as general manager in June 2018, he’s been reaching out to the Rizzo family to build a relationship.

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“Our conversation’s been more just checking in a couple times a year with him, talking about our program,” he noted. “I know when I first came to Kamloops [2018], I drove down to Vancouver and I met with his father, talked about our program. Then this last summer with the NHL Draft in Vancouver, met with them in Vancouver as well. But again, they’re stance has been the same — pretty much focused on continuing with the NCAA program.”

Bardsley’s disappointed with Rizzo’s decision to keep on the NCAA path, but he’s not giving up hope.

“I know things can still change and I still have the mindset that anything can change. I’m never going to close the door. If something were to change, maybe it’s just not the right fit for them with the NCAA program and they’re looking to come, we’re certainly going to welcome that.”