ANDY CHIODO
2004-2005

When someone uses the phrase "a class act," the name Andy Chiodo immediately comes to mind. Andy is one of those rare people that fits that description as well as anyone can. Although Andy was never officially assigned to us, we began fixing him goody bags when Jason Jaffray departed for the AHL and nobody seemed to worry about Andy. What a mistake they made! From his impeccable style to his good looks to a personality that speaks volumes of his being brought up in a terrific family, Andy soon became a friend that you enjoyed talking to, no matter how brief the time may have been. Andy wasn't one to socialize in the club after games, but when he talked to us at the bus before a road trip, he was a joy. He exhibited manners of the highest standard which seems to be a rarity in someone of his age. His gratiousness and warm smile were things that won't soon be forgotten. His goaltending skills were worthy of playing at a higher level. I hope that someday, somewhere, Andy will get the chance to shine that he deserves. I will miss Andy when he goes, but I know that I got a chance to know someone that is truly "a class act."

2005-2006 Update: Andy has returned for another season with the Nailers due to the overabundance of goalies in the upper levels of the Penguins organization. Although I believe Andy should be up in the A, he is not at all bothered to be back in the ECHL. His attitude and hard work should hopefully get him back to where he should be. Since he was never officially assigned to us last season, this year he was assigned to one of my good Booster buddies, and we still get a chance to talk to Andy and spend some time with him. He is such a great person that it is an honor to be able to say he is my friend! It's a shame that Wilkes-Barre didn't utilize him more and give him a chance to prove his worth. Hopefully next season someone will sign him that will appreciate his talents.