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On a veteran squad looking to make a statement, most rookies are vying to find their place among their teammates. With unforeseen talent and the mental game to back it up, Nathan Chiarlitti stood out above the rest He started out as a mature 16-year-old with the Sarnia Sting, playing a sixth defenceman role, but had the awareness and knowledge of the game well beyond his years. At that time it became clear he was going to be a key component to the organization for years to come.

In only his second Ontario Hockey League season, Chiarlitti was taken under the wing of captain, and hometown fan favorite, defenceman Jordan Hill, who now plays in the American Hockey League for the Manchester Monarchs; affiliate to the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League. “Jordan Hill was a great leader,” Chiarlitti said of his former captain. “Not only on the ice, but no one worked harder off the ice on the little things. “It's funny because just this summer we figured out we're almost identical players, good at everything but not great at one thing; players who could be utilized in every play of the game and be trusted to do the dirty things needed, like shot blocking or take necessary hits (to make the play).”

Aware of his strengths and humble about his skill, Chiarlitti didn't go unnoticed by his former teammate and mentor.“Char (Chiarlitti) was a good kid from day one,” Hill expressed. “He had the right attitude from the start, and was ahead of his fellow rookies. He knew when to have fun with the boys and when to get focused and work hard. “[Chiarlitti] is a kid everyone loves in and outside the locker room and his positive attitude makes everyone around him better. He's a guy that puts a lot of responsibility on himself and his play; leads-by-example type of Captain. I know players see that and follow.”

When Hill was traded to the Saginaw Spirit later in the season, Chiarlitti took over the leadership duties at the young age of 17, but he wasn't alone.  His defensive partner and close friend, Brent Sulllivan, was right by his side The blueliner already knew Chiarlitti had an unseen talent, but his intangibles were what set him apart.“Determination and heart,” Sullivan said candidly. “He wasn't the 'rah rah' type of captain, but no one has ever led more by example on the ice. “He'd go through a wall for his team and wants to be the best he can be. 30 NHL teams have all messed up not drafting or signing this kid, and 29 will regret it when one does sign him and he turns out great.”

Chiarlitti was faced with the tough task of leading a team through a tumultuous 2010-11 season. One of which was full of constant changes within the organization. Midway through, long time coach, and general manager for Sarnia, Dave MacQueen, was relieved of his duties. Rookie assistant coach, and former NHLer, Trevor Letowski, stepped up to help the team through the remaining two months of the season. Despite the loss, Chiarlitti didn't let it affect his motivation and outlook towards the sport he loves so much. “Just taking things day by day and trying to find the positives in each game was really the main thing I tried to do. Coach Letowski did a good job keeping us focused on achieving realistic goals and implementing important values to take into next year,” he said. Now, less than six months later, the Maple, ON native is ready to lead the rebuilt Sarnia Sting with a new look and a better attitude. Off to a strong start this 2011-12 season, the squad is living up to its high expectations, sitting second in the Western Conference and fifth in the nation. New coach and GM, Jacques Beaulieu, removed all captaincy tags at the beginning of the season, but it wasn't long before Chiarlitti reclaimed his role as team leader, wearing the “C” on his chest once again. “It's definitely been an honour to be named captain this year for a team that is so highly touted,” he added. “But with the title comes so much responsibility and a ton of pressure. I remind guys we haven't gotten anywhere yet, we haven't won anything. We just have to stay focused on our end goal of winning a Memorial Cup.”

Ryan Yessie, a scout for HockeyProspect.com, has seen Chiarlitti play well over 100 times in his OHL career, and thinks highly of the blueliner's mental and physical games. “Chiarlitti stands out with his defensive awareness and hockey sense,” Yessie said. “He has taken on the top line of the opposition consistently for three years now, and has done an outstanding job shutting them down. He has excellent body position and shows very well in one-on-one situations. “He battles hard down low and in front of the net, and reacts almost instantaneously to a situation that is developing. He has improved in his skating and physicality areas. Although they aren't strong areas of his game, it's his high level of hockey sense, work ethic, and awareness that compensates for these areas and makes him as steady of a defenceman as you'll find in the OHL period,” he continued. “Nathan has been given adequate power play time for the first time in his career. Although it's not his game, he showed the ability to move the puck very effectively, and his improved point shot has been effective. It has also given Sarnia some insurance when a turnover takes place, as it has given Sarnia a player who will be able to defend effectively against shorthanded opportunities.”

Chiarlitti is currently on pace to set personal bests in nearly every statistical category, despite being given the duty of being the team's top shutdown defenceman once again this year.

Nathan Chiarlitti was ranked 104th Overall by HockeyProspect.com in 2010.

Subway Super Series Game Stats for November 10th Game vs Russia.