Adamo joins Meteors

Kyle Adamo’s hockey career has come full circle.

The 17-year-old Fort Erie native grew up around the corner from Meteors head coach/general manager Nik Passero and has fond memories of going to see the team play.

Adamo recently committed to Meteors after spending the last two seasons playing wing for the Buffalo Regals U15 and Buffalo Jr. Sabres U16 programs.

“That’s the coolest part,” Adamo said. “I used to go to the games and my neighbour was (former Meteor) Daylon Groulx. I always knew I was going to play there — I didn’t know — but I was expecting it.”

Adamo skated a bit with the Meteors last year between stints with the Jr. Sabres where he collected 15 points in 24 games in a season that was shortened due to the COVID pandemic.

“It was huge,” Adamo said of the opportunity to play last season. “A year of playing for the Jr. Sabres was way better with no one else playing and it was good competition. I didn’t even know if there was going to be a season in Canada.”

Adamo feels his two seasons in Buffalo played an enormous role his development.

“I always played AAA (Southern Tier Admirals) but I was never one of the better players,” he said. “I went to the Regals two years ago and it was my breakout year, basically. They weren’t as good of a team when we started the season but I was in the top 10 in scoring in the league and playoffs.

“The organization was good too. We had the gym and the arena and the staff was good.”

Passero feels Adamo will be a key addition.

“He’s got to get his feet wet early and then hopefully by October/November he hits his stride and grows into his body a little bit and then we’re off and running,” Passero said. “I have high expectations for him throughout the year but it’s our job to get him going early.

“He’s a little bit of a late bloomer and I think the Jr. Sabres have done great job with him.”

Passero appreciates being able to bring in a local player.

“Getting Fort Erie guys in our lineup is important to us. It hasn’t been easy lately. He’s a great kind and bringing the Adamos into the Fort Erie family in awesome.”

Adamo feels playing in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League is the next logical step in his development.

“He (Passero) told me I should be one of the top players and I’m looking forward to that,” Adamo said. “I’ve grown a fair amount in the last two years. I was always used to playing against kids who were bigger than me so I don’t think that will be a problem.

“With me, it all about confidence. If I’m confident I play way better. If I don’t have my confidence I’m not as effective but I have it from playing for the Jr. Sabres.”

Adamo also found it difficult to be away from his family — he spent eight months in Buffalo with only two two quick trips home.

“That’s the main reason I didn’t want to go back. I’d rather stay home with my family and play. I didn’t want to do that again. I didn’t really enjoy that part of it.”

Adamo’s family recently moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake but he is leaning toward finishing his high school studies at Greater Fort Erie Secondary School.

“I’ll be playing in Fort Erie and I can graduate with my friends,” he said.

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