Shane Pinto is an American professional ice hockey center who plays for the Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League. He was selected as the 32nd overall pick by the Senators, making him the first choice in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Bio/Wiki
Age- 22 years
Height- 1.91 m
Weight- 87 kg
Born- 12 November 2000
Birth place-Franklin Square, New York, United States
Profession-American ice hockey centre
Nationality- American
NHL Draft-32nd overall, 2019; Ottawa Senators
Number-57 (Ottawa Senators / Center)
Parents
He was raised in a sports-oriented family; his father Frank had a background in baseball, and his mother Catherine and older sister Brianna were both involved in softball.
Girlfriend
Shane Pinto is not in a public relationship and is currently not married.
Career
Pinto embarked on his ice skating journey at the age of seven and joined his first organized hockey team at nine. However, his primary interests were in baseball and American football rather than ice hockey during his early years. It wasn’t until the age of 14, following a clavicle fracture during football practice that temporarily sidelined him, that he decided to focus on hockey exclusively.
During his minor ice hockey years, Pinto played a significant role for the Brooklyn Aviators, a second-tier team in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). At 12, he contributed to his Aviators team clinching a state championship. After spending two years at H. Frank Carey Junior-Senior High School in Franklin Square, Pinto transferred to South Kent School in Connecticut to advance his ice hockey career. In his final season there, he showcased impressive stats, tallying 34 goals and 31 assists for a total of 65 points in 54 games. He was also a part of the 2018 USA Hockey National Championship team during his time at South Kent School.
In the 2016–17 season, Pinto was drafted 330th overall by the Lincoln Stars in the USHL. He made a significant impact in the league, recording 32 points in his first 30 games, leading rookies with six power-play goals. In 2019, he joined the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, earning recognition as the top recruit for his class. Following a successful collegiate career, he signed a three-year contract with the Ottawa Senators in April 2021.
Pinto made his NHL debut in the 2020–21 season, scoring his first goal against the Montreal Canadiens. Despite facing injuries in the following season, he made a strong comeback for the 2022–23 season, earning the title of NHL’s rookie of the month in October and finishing with 20 goals and 35 points in 82 games.
International Career
Pinto earned a spot on the United States men’s national junior ice hockey team for the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He made a strong start, being named the player of the game in the opening match against Canada’s national junior ice hockey team, contributing with two goals and an assist.
Shane Pinto Contract
On April 1, 2021, Shane Pinto inked a three-year contract with the Ottawa Senators, totaling $3,975,000. The contract carries a cap hit of $925,000.
Awards
- All-NCHC First Team: Awarded in the 2020-21 season.
- AHCA West First Team All-American: Received in the 2020-21 season.
Net Worth 2023
As of 2023, Shane Pinto’s net worth is $3,975,000, reflecting his three-year contract with the Ottawa Senators.
Shane Pinto, Suspended 41 Games for Gambling
The NHL has suspended Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto for 41 games due to his involvement in sports wagering activities.
“I want to apologize to the National Hockey League, the Ottawa Senators, my teammates, the fans and city of Ottawa and most importantly my family. I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team,” Pinto said in a statement.
The suspension, effective from the first game of the season, applies retroactively. Additionally, Shane Pinto is presently a restricted free agent without a contract.
“Shane is a valued member of our hockey club; an engaging, intelligent young man who made poor decisions that have resulted in a suspension by the National Hockey League. We know he is remorseful for his mistakes. The Ottawa Senators fully support the NHL’s rules on gambling,” said the Senators in a statement.
“While saddened to learn of this issue, the entire organization remains committed to Shane and will work together to do what is necessary to help provide the support to allow him to address his issues and become a strong contributor to our community,” the team said.
The specifics of Shane Pinto’s violation of the sports wagering policy remain unclear. The NHL stated that their investigation found no proof of Pinto placing bets on NHL games.
Reportedly, Pinto’s situation came to light when an NHL integrity protection partner flagged his online gambling account in the U.S., prompting the league’s attention, as reported by the Ottawa Sun. The Sun writes that it was “because of unusual activity.” This incident marks the NHL’s first suspension related to gambling since the U.S. Supreme Court’s legalization of sports wagering in 2018. This legalization led to numerous partnerships between the league and sportsbooks. In 2021, the Ottawa Senators made history by displaying a gambling advertisement on their helmets, thanks to a deal with Bet99.
The investigation into Pinto’s case lasted several weeks and concluded on Wednesday. The NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) was kept informed throughout the investigation, as is customary for legal matters involving players.
According to the NHL/NHLPA collective bargaining agreement, gambling on any NHL game is strictly prohibited—a rule prominently displayed in every dressing room across the league. Similar regulations are outlined in the NHL constitution, covering various aspects from club ownership to the commissioner’s authority. Individuals associated with a team or the league, however, are allowed to bet on non-NHL events.
Commissioner Gary Bettman, as per the CBA, holds the authority to penalize players for violating off-ice league rules or engaging in conduct detrimental to the league or hockey. The CBA outlines three possible forms of discipline: imposing fines, canceling a player’s contract, or suspending/expelling the player for a defined or indefinite period.
