Vincent Iorio Bio
Vincent Iorio (born November 14, 2002) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). A second-round selection of the Washington Capitals in 2021, Iorio developed through four seasons with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League before turning professional. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 201 pounds, he brings a steady, defensive-first presence to the blue line.
After spending time with the Capitals organization and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hershey Bears, Iorio was claimed by the San Jose Sharks in October 2025. His journey from a late-birthday bantam prospect in British Columbia to an NHL regular reflects steady development across junior and minor-professional hockey.
Early Life and Background
Vincent Iorio was born on November 14, 2002, in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. He is the son of Mario and Jennifer Iorio and grew up alongside a younger sister, Olivia. Although he first tried soccer as a child, Iorio began playing ice hockey at around six years old and originally skated as a forward before being moved to defence because of his comfort with the puck.
While growing up in Coquitlam, Iorio spent one season with the Burnaby Winter Club before enrolling at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s in Faribault, Minnesota, for his bantam years. Because he was expected to attend an American university after bantam, few Western Hockey League teams showed interest in drafting him. He was also selected to represent Team British Columbia at the 2017 WHL Cup in Calgary, an early sign of his standing among western Canadian prospects.
Path to Professional Hockey
Iorio was eventually selected in the second round, 27th overall, by the Brandon Wheat Kings in the 2017 WHL bantam draft. He returned to Shattuck-Saint Mary’s for the 2017–18 season before joining the Wheat Kings full time. He was also picked 269th overall by the Green Bay Gamblers in the 2018 United States Hockey League entry draft, providing him with an additional development option.
Because of his late birthday, Iorio began playing for the Wheat Kings at age 15 and was the third-youngest player in the WHL at the start of the 2018–19 season. He finished his rookie campaign with five points over 50 regular-season games and scored his first WHL goal on February 23, 2019, against the Prince Albert Raiders. Ahead of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, NHL Central Scouting ranked him 71st among North American skaters, while Bob McKenzie of The Sports Network gave him a higher rating. On July 24, 2021, the Washington Capitals drafted him in the second round, 55th overall.
Vincent Iorio Career
Early Career with the Brandon Wheat Kings (2018–2021)
Iorio’s production grew across his first three WHL seasons. After his five-point rookie year, he improved to four goals and 17 assists in 59 games during 2019–20 and was named the Wheat Kings’ 2020 Most Sportsmanlike Player and the Maggie Janz Scholastic Player of the Year. The 2020–21 season was shortened to 24 games because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he recorded 12 points in 22 contests.
Following his draft by Washington, Iorio signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Capitals on October 4, 2021, and returned to Brandon for his overage season. He set personal bests that year, including a career-high 11 goals and 33 assists, cementing his offensive development as a defenceman.
Washington Capitals and Hershey Bears (2021–2025)
On May 4, 2022, Iorio was reassigned to the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, for the remainder of the 2021–22 season. He appeared in 53 regular-season games with Hershey before receiving his first NHL call-up on March 3, 2023. He made his NHL debut the following night against the San Jose Sharks, recording his first NHL point, an assist, while skating 14:48 of ice time.
Iorio made his postseason debut in Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Rangers but was injured in the second period and missed more than a month of action. He later rejoined the Hershey Bears for the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. He continued to split time between Washington and Hershey across the following seasons as he refined his two-way game.
San Jose Sharks Era (2025–Present)
On October 16, 2025, Iorio was waived by the Washington Capitals and subsequently claimed by the San Jose Sharks. He made his Sharks debut the next day against the Utah Mammoth, opening a new chapter of his career on the West Coast. The move gave him an opportunity to establish himself as a full-time NHL defenceman with a rebuilding franchise.
Driving Style and Strengths
Iorio plays a defense-first style shaped by his 6-foot-4 frame and 201-pound build, allowing him to win battles along the boards and clear the front of the net. His comfort with the puck, developed during his forward years as a child, shows up in clean breakouts and steady first passes. Coaches have praised his hockey sense and willingness to play a simple, reliable game in his own zone.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Iorio’s signature moments are his first WHL goal against the Prince Albert Raiders in February 2019, his NHL debut against the San Jose Sharks in March 2023, and his playoff debut in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Rangers. His claim by the Sharks in October 2025 stands as the most recent major milestone of his young career.
Vincent Iorio Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Iorio’s father Mario and mother Jennifer raised him in Coquitlam, British Columbia, where he first developed his love for hockey. He also grew up alongside a younger sister, Olivia. His family’s move to support his development, including his enrollment at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s in Minnesota, played an important role in his path to professional hockey.
Personal Life
Born and raised in British Columbia, Iorio keeps his personal life largely private. He has not publicly announced a spouse or children, and his current residence follows his NHL career with the San Jose Sharks.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year has been a turning point for Vincent Iorio. After beginning the season with the Washington Capitals organization, he was waived on October 16, 2025, and quickly claimed by the San Jose Sharks. His debut with San Jose the following night against the Utah Mammoth marked a fresh opportunity to earn a regular role on an NHL blue line.
With the Sharks in a rebuilding phase, Iorio is positioned to compete for top-four minutes and contribute on the penalty kill. His blend of size, defensive reliability, and improved puck skills aligns with the organization’s push to develop younger defencemen. Strong showings in the opening stretch of the season could lock him into a long-term role with the club.