EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – Former Edmundston Blizzard captain Peter Amanatidis will continue his university hockey career with the Carleton Ravens of the Ontario University League East (OUA-East). The Ravens are based in Ottawa (Carleton University).
Now 21, Peter Amanatidis completed his junior career last month. In 136 games during his three seasons in Edmundston, he collected 35 goals and 58 assists. His 93 points place him fifth on the Blizzard all-time scoring list. He also played the most playoff games for the Edmundston franchise, with 27.
Peter Amanatidis’ fiery style is sure to please his new head coach, Shaun Van Allen, who played 794 games in the NHL. Van Allen was known for his hard work, particularly on the defensive side, as was Amanatidis. The Ravens finished seventh in their league standings in 2023-2024 with a record of 10-13-4-1.
The former Blizzard number 22 explained that Carleton assistant coach Mark Cavallin contacted Blizzard head coach Simon Olivier after the first round of the recent playoffs against Fredericton to find out if he (Amanatidis) would be interested in continuing at the university level. Saying yes, coach Cavallin contacted Peter Amanatidis for the subsequent steps. “After a few calls, they officially offered me a spot on their team for the 2024-2025 season,” said the Laval forward.
“With the Ravens, I intend to bring the same energy and level of competition that I demonstrated with the Blizzard. I want to earn the coaches’ trust so I can play in any situation. Growing up in Montreal, I watched a few McGill hockey games and the calibre of Usport hockey has only improved over the years.”
With the Blizzard, Peter Amanatidis had the privilege and honor of being named captain as a 20-year-old player. “My experience in Edmundston was simply extraordinary. I really felt like I’d arrived as a boy at 18 and left as a man at 21. Looking back, I feel that at 18, I didn’t enjoy the experience of being a Blizzard. At 19 and 20, I realized how special it is, especially for the influence we have with young people and the city in general. I was very proud to be the captain in my last year. More importantly, I wanted to have an impact on the team’s young players and the city’s young fans. I wanted to be a good example on the ice, off the ice and outside the arena,” said Amanatidis, who was rewarded at the end of the season with the Blizzard’s ‘Ambassador of the Year’ trophy.
Known for his outspokenness and infectious enthusiasm, Peter Amanatidis has nothing but kind words for his former teammates and Blizzard fans. “What I’ll remember most about the team is simply seeing the same guys every day. Also, the early morning practices to the late bus rides home. There are countless memories made every day. What I’ll remember most about the community is its passion. The fans hated losing as much as we did, and that gave us the right amount of pressure to want to win every night at the Jean-Daigle Centre.”
And what advice does Peter Amanatidis have for the Blizzard player who will be wearing the C on his uniform? “To the next Blizzard captain, don’t take anything for granted. This role is entrusted to you by the organization to embody what it means to be a Blizzard, and the organization believes you are the best candidate for the role. Be proud to be yourself, the best leader you can be, and you’ll earn the respect of everyone around you.”
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Photo
Peter Amanatidis enjoyed some fine seasons in the Blizzard uniform, never sparing his efforts. Photo archives Percy Picard
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone