Previous statistics (pointstreak.com)
USHL Second-Team release  (ushl.com)
Video interview (courtesy of the Indiana Ice Coach's Show - youtube.com)

“He was arguably one of the best defensemen in the USHL last season. Anthony is extremely tough and he sees the ice well. His game is well-balanced and his bomb from the point will be a welcomed addition.” – Assistant coach, Albie O'Connell

Anthony Bitetto, a left-handed defenseman hailing from Island Park, N.Y., has quickly ascended the list of players receiving consideration from NHL clubs in preparation for the 2010 NHL Draft.

The 6'2 blue liner skated with the Indiana Ice of the USHL for the last year and a half, amassing 44 points (12-32-44) in 82 games played. In 2009-10, Bitetto displayed the 'A' on his sweater as an alternate captain, indicating the leadership qualities he possesses on and off the ice.

Last season, alone, Bitetto totaled 44 points (13-31-44) in 67 games with a +7 rating defensively. His 44 points ranked second amongst all defenseman in the USHL. He also logged a club-high 118 penalty minutes in 2009-10.

Not only does Bitetto have a powerful shot, but his accuracy was demonstrated with a shooting percentage of .136, second-best rate of any other blue liner in the league.

Bitetto's lofty numbers in 2009-10 warranted NU's newcomer a spot on the All-USHL Second Team.

“Anthony is just a good, overall defenseman who defends well and can contribute offensively because of his skating ability and powerful shot,” O'Connell said.

Bitetto's junior career started with the NY Apple Core of the Eastern Junior Hockey League, but midway through the 2008-09 season, the Ice scooped up Bitetto for its playoff run. Bitetto played in 24 games with Indiana that year, recorded four points (1-3-4) and helped key Indiana's run to the Clark Cup championship (The Clark Cup is a trophy awarded annually to the winner of the USHL Tier 1 Junior Hockey playoff champions). In his playoffs debut, he dressed in 13 games and notched three assists with a +5 rating.

With the loss of Jake Newton to an entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks, Bitetto looks to fill the void of a big-bodied defenseman with a scorers touch. As someone with leadership capabilities, Bitetto should make an immediate impact on this year's squad.

Bitetto will dress in the #7 jersey this season.