By: Ellie Hazelwood
Antonio Zito, left defenseman for the Ottawa West Golden Knights, has been playing hockey since he was six.
Zito is 18 now, and is strong both defensively and offensively. He blocks shots, clears the puck, racks up the assists, and scores goals.
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Zito has always had a love for hockey.
Number 23 is what is on the back of Zito’s jersey. Last year, when he got loaned out to Winchester, he didn’t get to choose his number, so they gave him 23. Zito did pretty well with the number, so he’s sticking with 23, as he continues on with the Golden Knights.
Zito is a Chicago Blackhawks fan, but is inspired by Scott Stevens, who was a defenseman for the New Jersey Devils. Stevens was great at making plays on both ends of the ice, and was driven by his competitive spark. Zito matches Stevens’s energy, as well as generates offense, and plays a physical game, just like Scott Stevens.
The Ottawa West Golden Knights have been Zito’s EOJHL team since 2023, aside from his time loaned to Winchester in the 2024-25 season.
Everyone contributes to a strong team, and Zito brings his own strong set of strengths to the Golden Knights.
“I’m definitely good at talking with the guys, I bring energy to the group,” Zito said. “I’m also a pretty good playmaker. I’m able to give them opportunities to score. I find I’m pretty solid defensively too, I can get the puck out of our zone, and generate some offense through that.”
When Zito isn’t playing hockey, he’s attending Algonquin College to study Teaching. He balances being a student and an athlete perfectly, even finding time to golf in the summer, and hang out with friends.
Hockey players liked to get hyped up, and prepared for games by listening to music, as well as doing their own pre-game ritual.
“I like the old songs, like Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield, and Summer Of ’69 by Bryan Adams. I always listen to those songs before games,” Zito said. “For my pre-game ritual, I like to get the left side of my body dressed first. I go left, then right for my shin pads, and my skates. I like to do the same warm-up routine every single game. I started it a year ago, and I’ve stuck with it ever since.”
Zito’s favourite thing about playing for the Ottawa West Golden Knights is the guys.
“It’s a great group of guys. No matter what, win or loss,” Zito said. “We always have a good time out there, and try our best.”
Zito has hyped energy, is solid defensively and offensively, and plays a physical competitive game. The Ottawa West Golden Knights are lucky to have him.
