Anthony Grieco leaves school.

What has been speculated all morning over on Sioux Sports and on Ryan Cardinal's WCHA blog is now official as Grand Forks Herald hockey writer
Brad Schlossman is reporting that Tony Grieco is leaving school and heading to the OHL.

Grieco headed to OHL By Brad Schlossman

Anthony Grieco, UND's backup goaltender, has left school and returned to Ontario, where he will play in the Ontario Hockey League, his father said Monday.

Grieco, an 18-year-old sophomore from Brampton, Ont., had not played this season for the Sioux. He saw action in eight games as a rookie, posting a 3-2-1 mark with a 3.49 goals-against average and .884 save percentage.

Grieco's father, Charlie, said it was essential for his son to get playing time as he recovered from a knee injury that he suffered at the end of last season.

"He needed some playing time or his skill level would be deteriorating," Charlie said.

Anthony will play for the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors, a team that drafted him in the 10th round in the 2004 OHL draft.

Anthony will play for the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors, a team that drafted him in the 10th round in the 2004 OHL draft.

Grieco drove through the night Sunday to return to Ontario, where he began practicing with the Majors this afternoon.

"He's built some really great relationships (at UND), so it was pretty emotional," Charlie said.

The departure leaves UND with two goaltenders starter Jean-Philippe Lamoureux and backup Aaron Walski. Lamoureux has started 32 consecutive games for the Sioux dating back to last season and was named the national player of the month in October by the Hockey Commissioners' Association.

"The team is playing solid and Phil has been playing well," Charlie said. "Being there a year and a half, (Anthony) needed playing time."

Grieco was a late addition to the roster last summer. He signed a letter of intent in June, just weeks before goaltender Jordan Parise freed up a roster spot by signing with the New Jersey Devils.

Grieco had been courted by the Majors throughout his tenure at UND, Charlie said.

Goon's World Perspective on the matter

While Grieco's numbers were not eye popping nor were they all-American like, I really did like what I saw with this kid. During the short tenure Grieco was here I thought he showed glimpses of greatness and promise, however, his juicy rebounds and a big five hole were also a big problem. I think Grieco's play against SCSU Huskies last season was huge as Grieco got 2 big wins against the Huskies while Phil was out, I also believe that it sort of saved UND's bacon. I can also see his side of this, the kid is young he wanted to play and decided to go to the OHL who wants his services. I also think he was rushed into the Fighting Sioux line up before we was ready or mature enough to handle the WCHA grind. It also seems that his mental prep wasn't very good. I believe that UND (who I liken to the FSU of college hockey) needs to employ a full time goalie coach, I believe that it would be very beneficial for the younger less seasoned goalies in the future. I wonder if UND could pry Howard away from the Badgers?

Funny thing Grieco is the first Fighting Sioux goalie over 6 feet in some time. Now the Sioux have an interesting dilemma, do they recruit a goalie and bring him in during the Christmas break Ala Josh Siembieda. What happens if Phil gets hurt? If I am not mistaken your supposed to have two goalies on the bench. Is Walski going to be able to carry the load if Phil gets hurt?