Morristown Native Kenny Agostino Readies For Winter Olympic Hockey

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Kenny Agostino had no way of knowing that leaving the National Hockey League for a Russian club last summer would give him a greater shot at competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics. But when the NHL announced its players wouldn't compete in the games, opportunity knocked for the Morristown native.

Agostino will suit up for Team USA men's hockey in Beijing, first competing at 8:10 a.m. EST Feb. 10 against China.

Born in Morristown, Agostino grew up in Flanders and graduated from the Delbarton School in 2010. Agostino then attended Yale University, winning the national championship with the Bulldogs in 2013.

From 2013-21, Agostino competed with six NHL teams and several squads in the American Hockey League — the NHL's developmental affiliate. In 2019, Agostino's hometown New Jersey Devils claimed him on waivers. Agostino played 27 games with the Devils, recording four goals and nine assists in his partial season with the team.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Agostino on a two-year deal after the season. The Morristown native played 75 games with the AHL's Toronto Marlies and one game with the Leafs in that time.

His NHL career also included stints with the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens.

But after last season, Agostino pursued a career abroad. He signed in June with Russian club Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod of the Kontinental Hockey League — widely considered the strongest hockey league besides the NHL.

In December, the NHL announced it wouldn't send players to Beijing. The league was in the midst of a season-pausing COVID-19 outbreak and decided to make up its postponed games during the Olympics.

The announcement opened up opportunities for players from leagues around the world to compete in the Olympics, including Agostino.

The Winter Olympics will run from Friday to Feb. 20. Find schedules here.

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