Rocco Russo '15 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing hockey for eight years.  I started out playing defense but since the day my dad said I can play hockey, I always wanted to play goalie.  My father wanted me to follow in his footsteps playing out but I told him how bad I wanted to be a goalie.  So in my freshman year, he let me.  It was clear after my first game, I was meant to be a goalie.

I got lucky enough to meet Terry Denike, my goalie coach.  He was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in 2001 NHL Entry Draft (5th Round; 152nd Overall).  He also finished his career as a Reading Royal in the ECHL.   He worked me hard to catch up to other goalies because I started later than most.  In addition to a late start, I am also a smaller goalie.  Terry has taught me to be bigger in the net and I have pushed myself to be faster.   I don't think of my size or my late start, all I think about is how to be the best possible goalie.  I have improved tremendously over the last three years.    I have played in two EPSHL All Star Games, and I was chosen as MVP in 2013 BCISC Tournament.

I consider myself a leader and a motivator.  I am the guy who will push his teammates and myself as hard as they and I can go.  I motivate myself and others to a common goal, winning.  I will do whatever it takes in school and out to play at a collegiate level.  I am a student with an IEP for a learning disability and I have pushed myself to be a better student.  As a junior, I can say it payed off because I worked hard enough to be in all regular education classes this year.  I am so proud of my educational accomplishments that I know I will continue to work hard for my future college education.

For my entire hockey career, I have always dreamed of playing at a collegiate level and I am determined to do whatever is necessary to get there.  I would be the best recruit, ready to be coached, guided to success and devoted to my future.