The Kitchener Rangers have made their first off-season signing, and it’s a big one.

The Ontario Hockey League team inked centre Adam Valentini on Thursday in a move that was a long time coming.

The Blueshirts acquired Valentini’s rights from the Mississauga Steelheads this past September, knowing that last year’s first round pick (13th overall) was going to spend the entire season with the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League.

But Rangers general manager Mike McKenzie felt it was a gamble worth taking, and now it’s paying off.

The 17-year-old finalized the deal at the Aud on Thursday.

“It’s a huge relief,” said Valentini. “But it’s also an honour to be playing for this first-class organization. I’m super excited to get things going.”

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