Bobcats get their rushing defender with the signing of PRO defenseman Dave Nicoletti

Wytheville VA - The Blue Ridge Bobcats have signed Pro Defender Dave Nicoletti to a Professional Tryout.

Nicoletti is what you would call a transitioning or rushing defender for the Bobcats. Someone who has the ability to make breakout plays into the attacking zone and look to complete those plays on the other side of the ice. 

Prior to joining the Bobcats, the 26-year-old Toronto Canada native spent three years in Single-A minor hockey. 

Starting back in 2019 when he was picked up by the Battle Creek Rumble Bees. Nicoletti skated in 37 games earning one goal, nine assists, and 10 points for the Rumble Bees.

From there Nicoletti skated with the Carolina Thunderbirds for the 2020-2021 season, skating in 33 games and earning five goals, eight assists, and 13 points for the black and red.

Now, following the 2022-2023 season with the Vermillion County Bobcats, Nicoletti rejoins the Federal Prospects Hockey League with the Blue Ridge Bobcats and Head Coach Vojtech Zemlicka. Hoping to show off his speed and heads-up playmaking.

“Dave is a steady two-way defenseman with a good amount of experience at this level last season. He is very reliable, disciplined, and also a physical defenseman who prides himself in the defensive zone using his size, reach, and hockey IQ to read the game. Dave makes very good puck decisions either to break out of the defensive zone, to create plays, or just to hold on to a puck and allow our team to change. I am very happy that Dave decided to be part of our organization because I know he’s a great asset for us and not just on the ice but also off the ice as one of the leaders,” Zemlicka said.

You can catch Dave Nicoletti and the rest of the Blue Ridge Bobcats for their home opener and the start of the inaugural season on Friday, October 20th at 7:30 p.m. inside the Apex Center. Don't miss any of the action this season and pick up your season tickets now here.

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