Blues sign draft pick Pietrangelo

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Blues on Thursday signed defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, the fourth overall pick of this year’s Entry Draft.

Pietrangelo, 18, will get a chance to make the team when training camp begins on Sept. 19.

“We are excited to have Alex signed as he will be a key component to our youth movement for years to come,” team president John Davidson said. “This signing continues our commitment to the long-term future of exciting young talent that we have.

“We expect Alex to be an integral part of our organization for many years.”

Pietrangelo, of King City, Ontario, ranked seventh among OHL defensemen with 53 points last season, including goals while playing for the Niagara Ice Dogs. He participated in the 2008 OHL All-Star Classic and the 2008 CHL Top Prospects game.

“I am extremely excited to know that I am a member of the St. Louis organization,” Pietrangelo said. “I’m looking forward to getting to St. Louis to begin training camp and to start the season.”