#8 Carlo Colaiacovo /defence

AGE: 19    HT: 6'1"    WT: 187    SHOT: left    BORN: January 27, 1983    HOMETOWN: Toronto, ON

2002-03 team: Erie Otters, OHL

Pro Status: NHL Draft Toronto Maple Leafs 2001 (3, 65)

 

International background: Attended Canada’s National Junior Team’s Development Camp in Halifax, NS in August, 2002 … Won a silver medal with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2002 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic … Won a silver medal with Team Ontario at the 2000 World Under 17 Challenge in Timmins, ON

 

Hockey background: Started the season with the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, returned to Erie (OHL) on November 11, 2002 … In his fourth season with the OHL’s Erie Otters … An assistant captain with Erie in 2002-2003 … Member of the OHL Western Conference All Star team vs. QMJHL Dilio Conference at the 2002 Hershey Cup game (2-0 W) in Kitchener, ON ... Played in the 2002 Memorial Cup … Won 2002 OHL Championship with Erie … Led Erie defenceman with 13 goals in 2001-2002 and 12 goals in 2000 2001 … Erie Otters’ 1999- 2000 Rookie-of-the-Year … Played in 2001 OHL All-Star Game and played in the 2001 CHL Top Prospects Game … Was named the Otters' Rookie-of-the-Year in 1999-2000 … Was selected by the Otters in the third round (50th overall) of the 1999 OHL Draft

Profile: Enjoyed an outstanding training camp with Toronto Maple Leafs and saw action in two NHL games before returning to the Erie Otters. A gifted offensive defenceman, Colaiacovo is a constant threat to jump into the attack but he rarely gets caught out of position thanks to his outstanding foot speed. He won't hesitate to throw his weight around.

Personal: Nickname: Carlos, Cola … Son of Fernando and Rita … Has two brothers, Marco and Paulo (his twin) and one sister, Lisa … His twin brother Paulo is a goaltender with the OHL’s Barrie Colts … Favorite NHL Player: Steve Yzerman … Favorite NHL Team growing up: Florida … Favorite Movie: Dumb & Dumber … Favorite Band: U2