Kilty B’s Steve LaForme has impressive rookie campaign

HAMILTON— It’s not exactly an everyday occurrence that a hockey player such as Steve LaForme gets presented an offer after only one tryout skate.

Last summer after seeing LaForme’s skills in the first tryout practice, Hamilton Kilty B’s Junior ‘B’ general manager Brian Rizzetto knew he wanted to sign the rookie.

“Steve is a great kid and a great hockey player,” Rizzetto said. “He has a work ethic second to none. He came in here as a 16- year-old and made a statement off the bat as a player to be taken seriously.”

Modest by nature, LaForme does his talking on the ice where he completed what was a standout rookie season with 11 goals and 56 points along with 58 penalty minutes in 50 regular season games.

Once playoffs rolled around, LaForme continued his strong play as he scored four goals and seven points during what was a four game first round sweep against the Thorold Blackhawks before  losing the first two games in second round action against the Caledonia Corvairs.

“Steve was given an offer after the first skate. I saw great things in him.” Rizzetto said. “I liked the way he protects the puck, his playmaking abilities, he is fast and I like his technical play.”

Following the second loss against Caledonia, the season was cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.

Remising to the early days of meeting Steve and his father Blaine, Rizzetto stated, “Steve has great respect for his father. I’m very proud of him. He has a work ethic second to none and he will only get better.”

The future is extremely bright for LaForme who back in December made headlines by committing to play at Merrimack College which is located in North Andover Massachusetts.

Prior to playing in Hamilton, LaForme finished off his minor career by playing a pivotal role in helping the Brantford 99ers Minor Midget team win the Minor Midget AAA Alliance Championship.

Shortly after, he was chosen fifth round, 91 st. overall in the OHL Priority Draft by the North Bay Battalions.

Steve LaForme is a name that hockey fans will definitely get familiar with in the years to come.

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