By Matt Stefano
Robert Calisti has finally earned himself a pro contract!
The National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers have announced today that they have signed former Soo Thunderbirds defenceman Robert Calisti to a two-year American Hockey League contract, beginning next season in 2022-2023.
Calisti, who is from Etobicoke, Ontario, spent one season with the Soo Thunderbirds back in 2017-2018, where he notched 6 goals and 14 assists in 33 regular season games.
His 6 goals that season were also the most among all Thunderbird blueliners.
Following his first and only season with the Thunderbirds, Calisti then ended up earning a roster spot with the Ontario Hockey League’s Soo Greyhounds in 2018-2019.
Calisti, who is now in his overage season with the Greyhounds, is currently leading all Ontario Hockey League blueliners in goals with 17.
Despite not being drafted by a National Hockey League team last summer, Calisti still attended Florida Panthers Development Camp as a free agent last fall.
(Photo of Robert Calisti with Soo Thunderbirds credit to Jim Egan)
