Joe Grimaldi (born August 23, 1986) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman. Early life Undrafted in the NHL, drafted in seventh round by the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League. He was soon asked to play for Team USA at age 16. Grimaldi was a part of the United States National Team Development Program from 2002–04, Grimaldi to ranked top 40 players in the world from 2002 to 2004. He won one a gold medal at the four nations cup and an International Ice Hockey Federation silver medal in Minsk at the world championships in 2004 before being offered athletic scholarships from the University of Nebraska Omaha, Boston College,Ohio State University, Harvard University, Miami University, and the University of New Hampshire. Grimaldi chose to enroll at the University of Nebraska Omaha of the CCHA. At the time, Grimaldi was youngest player to join the Mavericks in the history of the program. In the 2004–05 season Grimaldi scored 21 points and was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team. Also USCHO.com named him to the all-American rookie team. The University of Nebraska Omaha named him most consistent player with +24 plus/minus leading all of college hockey in the 2004–2005 season. Career In his second year with the Mavericks, he left for major junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League with the Ottawa 67's. Brian Kilrea helmed the bench as head coach. While he was with the 67's he signed with the New York Islanders. He played exhibition games with the Islanders before getting sent back to Ottawa for future development. In the 2007–08 season, Grimaldi turned pro officially and signed with the Rochester Americans, an affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, and was later sent down to the Elmira Jackals (Ottawa Senators) of the ECHL. Grimaldi played in 36 games recording 15 points as a rookie with the Jackals and made his AHL debut with the Rochester Americans and Albany River Rats, an affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes. On January 15, 2008, Grimaldi was traded to fellow ECHL team the Fresno Falcons, affiliate to the San Jose Sharks. He was then later flipped to the Gwinnett Gladiators on February 19. He then played for his sixth team in the year when he was called up to the Peoria Rivermen affiliate for the St. Louis Blues. During his four-game stint, he recorded one assist in the last four games of the