VANCOUVER-- Shane Pinto knew his name was going to be called on day two of the 2019 NHL Draft, but was very relieved when it happened so early on Saturday.
 
"I'm at a loss for words right now," said Pinto. "It's pretty surreal, I'm shaking right now. Last night was pretty long just sitting there, so to get pick early here is pretty awesome."
 
Pinto was selected 32nd overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver. This is coming off of Pinto's impressive first season in the United States Hockey League, spending the year between the Lincoln Stars before being traded to the Tri-City Storm to finish the season. In his only season, Pinto tallied 28 goals and 59 points in 56 games, while also putting up four goals and nine points in six playoff games with the Storm.
 
"The biggest thing I learned last year was consistency," Pinto mentioned of his first year in the USHL. "You've got to show up every night and can't take any nights off-- especially in practice. Same at UND, the way the coaches hold everyone accountable; it just showed they're going to get me ready for the pros. They really connected with me as a person."
 
A strong skater with a quick release, Pinto's hockey sense allows him to get into the open areas for a shot, while also not being afraid to get into the corners to battle for a puck.
 
"I would say I'm a two-way centerman," said Pinto, "I can get a lot of draws in my defensive zone and I can score some goals. I think the biggest thing for me is skating, I need to fill into my body a little more and get bigger legs, but as my skating comes along, my all-around game will get better."
 
It's been a pretty solid week for Pinto, as he was not only selected in the NHL, he was also named to the US National Team summer camp for a spot to play on the World Junior Championship team this December. An interesting note is that Pinto will be the first New Yorker to ever lace them up at UND.
 
"They saw me the first time at main camp in Lincoln," mentioned Pinto. "I visited there and fell in love with the coaching staff and the whole culture that they have will get me ready to go to the next level. Going there is going to show my personality, I know they've been good at hockey forever, so it's going to fit me."
 
Ottawa seems to love incoming players from North Dakota, as Pinto joined Jacob Bernard-Docker and Jonny Tychonick as recent draftees for the Senators with Bernard-Docker going in the first round and Tychonick going in the second of the 2018 Draft.
 
"It's crazy how it all worked out with three prospect on the same team," mentioned Pinto. "It's huge to have those to guys to talk to and got through the whole experience with. It worked out the best for me so I'm excited."
 
Going so far as following the progress of the new video board going up at Ralph Engelstad Arena, it's safe to say Pinto is ready to get going onto the new season.
 
"Just to meet the guys and create new friendships, and just to play a game at The Ralph, so I'm really excited."