Massimo Rizzo Player Profile - Hockey Stats & Facts

Position: Center
Class: Junior
Height: 5'11
Weight: 175 Ibs
Birthdate: 6/13/2001
Birth Place: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Massimo Rizzo Stats: GP G A TP PIM +/-
2021-22 Univ. of Denver NCAA 39 12 24 36 48 18
2022-23 Univ. of Denver NCAA 38 17 29 46 14 24

Massimo Rizzo, drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 7th round (216th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. Just recently traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in a deal that happened on Wednesday, August 9.

Rizzo, is attending Denver College and dominating. Becoming a 2022 NCAA National Champion, making the NCHC Academic All-Conference Team (2021-22), was NCHC Rookie of the Month (October 2021), along with NCHC Rookie of the Week (Oct. 11, 2021), Finalist for NCHC Rookie of the Year (2021-22), and he was an All-American for the Pioneers, the same year Denver won the NCAA National Championship.

Massimo Rizzo, was a young prodigy. Playing for Burnaby Winter Club U15 A1 in the PCBHL, he hit triple digits in his first year. In 61 games played he scored 60 goals and 77 assists for 137 points in 2015-16. Before stepping on Denver campus, between 2015-2018, he played U18 AAA level hockey and in the BCHL for the Coquitlam Express and Chilliwack Chiefs. However, he did not play a game for the Chiefs. With the Coquitlam Express, he rattled off 19 goals and 25 assists for a total of 44 points in 42 games played.

In 2022-23, Rizzo had a career year at Denver. Leading the team in points, scoring 17 goals with 29 assists and 46 points in 38 games. 10 more points than the year prior. The 2022-23 campaign saw a lot of improvement and upside from 2021-22, where he finished second among Denver freshmen with 36 points (12g/24a). This past season he lowered his penalty minutes, had 20 more shots on goal, got more playing time on the power play, and obviously found the back of the net more.

With two full seasons at Denver College under his belt, he has played 77 games, with 29 tucks, 53 apples, and 82 points in total. It is clear that scoring is no issue for Rizzo, however it is his skating that needs work. He is a talented forward with great hands, able to find the back of the net but it is worth noting he isn't the most dominant skater, average at best. During the 2022 summer, Massimo Rizzo, attended the Carolina Hurricanes prospect camp, where he was able to put his skill on display. With great hands and solid hockey IQ on both ends of the ice, there is a lot to like about Rizzo, who has a lot of upside still at his age. The Philadelphia Flyers now retain the right to sign him until August 15th, 2024, which should be done sooner or later; in the coming weeks.

Massimo Rizzo, was everything but belittled in his first year of college hockey, he was actually played a big role in the best college program in the country throughout last season, so adding that on top of his 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points in 39 games makes for a really impressive season. Which is why he was a finalist for the Rookie of the Year in 2021-22.

Viewed as one of the best players at Denver College, he may return as a Junior, or sign with the Philadelphia Flyers and make the move over to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Signing an entry-level contract with the Flyers, would make for a reunion with former Denver College teammate and current Phantom, Bobby Brink. During the 2021-22 campaign, Bobby Brink and Massimo Rizzo played together. That year both Rizzo and Brink helped the Denver Pioneers strike championship gold.

NCAA Photos via Getty Images

In the championship year, Denver College had an unreal regular season on top of it all. The Pioneers finished with an impressive record of 31-9-1, continuing their strong play throughout the postseason. Rizzo, who had 7 points in the NCAA playoffs, scored one of the five goals in the third period for Denver, opening up the floodgates after being down 1-0 until the 3rd period. A beatdown in the final twenty-minutes, gave Denver Hockey a 5-1 victory and their ninth NCAA National Championship.

Being brought into a new organization might be good for Massimo Rizzo. It didn't appear as those the Hurricanes had much of a plan for him and clearly wanted to move on. Like wise for the Flyers, giving up David Kase who was far out from the Flyers long-term plans. This trade should be good for the Flyers, Massimo Rizzo, definitely still has upside, with likely hood of being a decent third line center.