After Breakout Year, Capitals’ Prospect Iorio Promoted To Hershey For Calder Cup Run

The Washington Capitals are getting Vincent Iorio some playoff experience, recalling him to the Hershey Bears as the AHL affiliate begins its quest for the Calder Cup.

General manager Brian MacLellan announced the transaction on Wednesday, promoting Iorio from the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings for the Bears’ playoff run. He will wear No. 6 with the Bears.

Iorio had attended rookie camp and training camp in Washington prior to the 2021-22 campaign. He also made his NHL preseason debut. And, with regard to his first season after the draft, he put in the work and showed Washington exactly what it wanted to see from the young blueliner.

The 6-4, 200-pound defenseman, who was the Capitals’ first selection of the 2021 NHL Draft (No. 55), had a breakout season in the W. He established a new career-high with 11 goals and 33 assists for 44 points. He ultimately finished 16th in league scoring among defensemen.

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Iorio was mobile, solid in all three zones and kicked his game into a higher gear. The 19-year-old got more involved in the play, joined the rush and showcased his speed, skating and positioning over the course of the season. He also came in clutch and stepped up when needed.

🚨BWK GOAL🚨

Iorio makes it a one-goal game! 🔥#GoldRush 🌾👑 pic.twitter.com/Y4QQzlpxFS

— Brandon Wheat Kings (@bdnwheatkings) April 30, 2022

“I consider myself a poised, smooth-skating, two-way defenseman who’s reliable in all three zones,” Iorio said before the season. “I pride myself on my exits – I think that’s something that’s a top-tier part of my game. Really just creating offense for the team. One thing that I have developed is the ability to join the rush and create offense.”