Pinelli, the 42nd overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, was named captain of the Kitchener Rangers (OHL) in his second season with the team. Through 53 games this season, he has already set career-highs in goals (22), assists (36) and points (58) along with a plus-4 rating. In 112 OHL regular-season games, all with Kitchener, he has posted 99 points (40-59=99) and a plus-19 rating.
The 6-1, 190-pound forward played one season in Slovenia during the 2020-21 season due to the OHL shutdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He appeared in 13 games with HDD Jesenice, posting 11 points (5-6=11) and a plus-4 rating. In the postseason, he scored one goal in two games to help capture the Slovenia Championship.
Prior to joining the Rangers, Pinelli spent the 2018-19 season with the Toronto Red Wings U16 AAA. He was captain of the team and totaled 114 points (49-65=114) over 71 games.
A native of Hamilton, Ontario, the 19-year-old won a gold medal with Team Canada during the 2021 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship, posting 11 points (4-7=11) and a plus-8 rating in seven games.
