DeAngelo says OHL his best route to NHL

Anthony DeAngelo has big goals, which is why he's leaving the

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

The 15-year-old defenseman committed this week to play Major Junior hockey for the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. He was a second-round pick of the club in the recent OHL Priority Draft.

DeAngelo played 28 games this season for Cedar Rapids before fracturing his kneecap after taking a slapshot to it in a late January game. He played the beginning of the season at 14, the youngest player ever in the United States Hockey League.

"It was a tough decision," said DeAngelo. "But I decided to do this because my only dream is to get to the NHL, and I thought this would be the best way to (get there)."

Scouts believe DeAngelo could be a first-round NHL draft pick in three years, if he continues to develop. The Sewell, N.J., resident had committed to play college hockey at Boston University but playing Major Junior prevents him from doing so since Major Junior players are paid a small stipend.

"I had a great year in Cedar Rapids," DeAngelo said. "I love Coach (Mark Carlson), my teammates and had fan support all year long, even with my injury. But at this point in my fareer, I feel like the OHL was the best route to try to reach my goal.

"I'll really miss Cedar Rapids."