Biography

Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 212 lbs
Birthday: 3/18/1989
Hometown: Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
Draft: 3rd round (78th overall), 2007 (Pittsburgh)
Acquired: Draft
Player Type: Defensive Defenseman
NHL Comparable: Robyn Regehr
 
Career Projection
After completing three seasons of junior hockey with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL), it was time for Bortuzzo to begin his professional career. Most media members had him penciled into Wheeling’s line-up to begin the season, but after a very strong prospect camp and pre-season, Bortuzzo earned his spot on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton blue line. The lanky, but solid defensive D-man has been regarded as the systems number 2 prospect on defense, behind last year’s first round choice, Simon Despres. He has put together a strong year in his first AHL season, with his shut-down and in-your-face style of play. Bortuzzo’s future looks bright in Pittsburgh, now that he’s proving himself to a lot of fans who doubted him earlier.
 
Strengths
Strong on his skates…clears the crease well…likes to play the body…has a long reach…penalty killer…drops the gloves frequently… will fight anyone in the opposing line-up… sticks up for his teammates…rarely turns the puck over… good at keeping the puck in right inside the blue line… patient with the puck on his stick…
 
Weaknesses
Won’t be relied on for producing… lacks offensive ability… weak slap shot… needs to play his solid game against big name players/teams… needs to improve in his own zone, will come with experience…
 
Achievements/Awards
• 2008 Memorial Cup participant with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL)