Deee.Geee

With the Miami Marauders settling just a tick above .500 with three wins and two losses in the their first five games, Damien Salducci finds himself as the only true rookie on the team while settling in one game at a time. “It’s been a real trial by fire, and I say that in the best way possible. I am surrounded by experienced teammates who have had success with Miami in previous seasons, and I don’t want to be a liability” shared Salducci. The Marauders have the second best goal differential in the Eastern Conference, something that Damien would enjoy contributing to more: “My first and only point so far, that assist, felt pretty good to get. I am even more excited to get that first goal too”. He will face some challenges early on in the season, and not necessarily from opposing teams either. The Marauders acquired a new defenseman soon after the start of the season; a player with two seasons in the VHLM already under their belt and a draftee of the VHL. When asked if he was concerned of his recent dip in ice time compared to earlier games this season, Damien said that these obstacles are what shape a younger player’s on-ice and off-ice mentality, and he’s just eager to be around talent that will no doubt improve his game in the long term. We look forward to seeing his progress across season 77.

1. S77 is here Marauders!!!! Our first game is against the Hounds! Do we come out with the victory? Our team is stacked! Hard not to feel confident. 2. Who is your early prediction to lead our team in points this season? I think Delving Mackey is going to come out of the gates charging. 3. How important is it to get off to a good start this season? It's a big deal to get that momentum. The key is carrying it all the time until the playoffs though. Teams fail because of that. 4. If there was one team in the VHLM you absolutely wouldn’t want to play for who would it be? I'd play for every team, but Las Vegas would be a challenge because I love all-you-can-eat-buffets. Would be a big problem. 5. Favourite type of pie? Lemon Meringue or Key Lime are tied. 6. Do you celebrate Easter ? And if so what’s your favourite tradition? Visiting family and having a big Easter meal. Lamb chops!

I appreciate the feedback, thanks!

New Miami Marauders defenseman Damien Salducci joined the hosts of VHL’s “Top Shelf” podcast for a quick chat during the busy draft season. Below is a transcription. Top Shelf: Firstly Damien we want to throw a big congrats your way for your selection in the VHLM draft for season 77. Are you now less nervous or more nervous than before the draft? Salducci: [Laughs} Um I’d say both, if that’s possible? No it definitely feels like a weight off my shoulders in one way, but when I think about it a lot more, realize what is up ahead, it starts to get a bit overwhelming. I am lucky to be surrounded by a great family first of all, who really are keeping me sane. Top Shelf: Tell us about last night, were you able to celebrate with your family? Salducci: Yea I was, it was great. Top Shelf: Champagne was flowing? Salducci: Well I am under age and um, I’ve never tasted champagne in my life. Yea let’s go with that. Top Shelf: Fair enough! Let’s get to the meat of the draft. You were picked 42nd overall. In fairness I think you were slated to be selected later on, any idea what it is about your game that had Miami go over some other players and pick you? Salducci: Yea if you told me last week that I would be in the 42nd slot, I wouldn’t have believed it. I am guessing they see the effort I put in every week to grow my game. Top Shelf: What round did you think you’d be selected in? Salducci: Um definitely not the 4th, more like the 5th or the 6th. I was preparing for anything, maybe even not getting picked. Top Shelf: That’s a healthy mindset to have for sure Damien. Now you’re heading into an interesting situation; the Marauders were one of the best defensive teams last season, and you’re joining a crew of very established and dynamic players. Any idea what the expectation is of you, and what kind of game do you want to carve out for yourself in the team? Salducci: You know, I was kinda surprised they picked me because I figured they were so loaded on defense. Also, my dad always told me that you always want to play with people better than you – they bring up your game. He certainly reminded me of that last night [laughs]. It’s obviously flattering to know they think I can compliment their guys, and that’s exactly what I want to do. It’ll take a few games for me to figure out the pace of the VHLM but I am sure that I can adapt. I made it this far doing that over the years! Top Shelf: Alright last question here – when we say Miami, what do you think of, and what about the city excites you the most? Salducci: I mean I can’t not mention the beaches, the boulevards on South Beach I think? Top Shelf: Yup on South Beach Salducci: Right, and the Cuban music and food. Really excited to get seafood, I am from the North of Italy, it’s a totally different food scene back home. Top Shelf: Alright Damien, thanks for your time, and best of luck next season. Damien: Was a pleasure, bye guys (551 words, claiming for week ending March 28)

1. Draft season!! How do you feel about the teams new additions? Thrilled to be among them. Lots of amazing talent here, eager to learn from my teammates. 2. If you were GM and could make 1 off season addition to this team; what would you do? I am way too underskilled to be making calls about moves at the GM level. Really looks like Miami made the right moves it needs to though. 3. who is our biggest rival heading into this season? I would think Yukon is on our radar, taking our playoff chances away and all. 4. Are you happy with your player build to this point in your career? I am happy but I want to go to bigger heights, that's for sure. 5. Favourite tv show currently? Rewatching Futurama from the start, boy does it stand the test of time. Really loving my third or fourth rewatch, to be honest I've lost count! 6. Would you rather go on a African safari or scuba diving? Safari. I have a fear of open water and sharks!

Below is a transcription from Damien Salducci’s appearance on the VHL Radio show “After The Whistle". VHL Radio: Damien we want to thank you for joining us today, can imagine it’s a nerve-wracking week for all you draftees. Take us through the emotions you’ve been going through this as you near the VHLM draft? Salducci: Hi, thanks guys. Yea there are definitely some nerves over here, just trying to be zen about it. My parents have been trying to keep me sane, my Dad forced me to rent extra ice time so I can get long practices in daily to keep my mind off of everything. I think it’s actually working but don’t tell him that [laughs]. VHL Radio: How could you characterize your game for those are unfamiliar with you? Is it fair to say you’re more of a puck-moving defenseman? Or do you prefer to be called a two-way player? Salducci: Hmm that’s a tough one. Definitely not a bruiser with my size [laughs], but yea I’d say I am comfortable moving in the neutral zone. I don’t know if I am necessarily an offensive d-man but I think I could get there with the right opportunity and time. VHL Radio: Have any teams come to talk to you already? Can you name any, and what have the interview topics been? Salducci: Yea I’ve had a few conversations, all pretty good so far. Not sure I want to name teams, but, um, I am happy to see the caliber of the organizations that might want me. It’s super flattering. VHL Radio: Can you share what they asked you about? Salducci: I think they already know my game so it's been less about hockey and more about off-ice interests and personality stuff you know? See if I am a good mix for the locker room. VHL Radio: Damien we know you’re a busy guy, we’ll leave you to go back to practice. Good luck on the draft. Salducci: Alright guys, thanks very much.

What excites you the most about the VHL? I love that it brings the best hockey talents around the world under one roof, so to speak. The quality of hockey here is humbling for a newcomer. Do you have a specific team you would like to play for? Are you playing for that team now? There are no specific teams, just looking for an opportunity anywhere. I am very open-minded and would be grateful for the chance to play anywhere. Everyone has a pre-game ritual. What is yours? I always eat chicken or pork chops with pasta and green vegetables before a nap. When I am at the rink, I tape my sticks first before doing anything else. Other than those two things I don't follow too many other rituals. Is there any music you listen to to pump you up for a game? Do you have a playlist? Disco! I jam out to Chic's Greatest Hits If there was any other sport you could play what would it be? I am from Italy, so my answer is predictably soccer What's the worst hockey-related injury your player has endured? Broke my ring finger on my left hand blocking a shot. Healed quickly but would like for that not to happen again. Heard the bone snap when the puck hit my glove in just the wrong spot.

Position: D Born: Genoa, Italy Age: 18 Height: 72 in. Weight: 195 lbs. Against all odds in the football-crazy country of Italy, Damien Salducci found ice hockey. Born to parents who were also athletes in their youth, he took to the sport as a child after watching a game at the IIHF World Championship in nearby Switzerland. “He never took his eyes off the ice” his mother Patricia remembers, “and he would annoy my husband and I every day afterwards about getting skates!”. Originally from Genoa on the west side of Italy, the family decided to move closer to the Alps, to Asiago. “We didn’t have a lot of choice of where to go; Italy is not known for ice hockey. The club there, Asiago Hockey 1935, has a great Junior and Senior program” added Damien. With a full set of gear, a team to call his own, and the support of his parents, Damien’s new obsession and talents linked up and took off. He began as a forward; a LW in his U11 and U13 years, until a flu bug struck his team halfway through a tournament when he was 14 and threatened to scuttle his team’s entire participation. “We knew forfeiting the game was not an option. We had just enough healthy guys left but we were down 2 defensemen. I was always the top penalty killer and the coach figured I was the least catastrophic forward to play defense for one game. It was either me being terrible on the blueline or forfeit the game, know what I mean?” Damien adds with a laugh. Damien never played LW again. Asiago Hockey won the game and ultimately the tournament, with Damien being runner-up for MVP with 3 goals and 8 assists in 12 games and a whopping 51 shots. “I went from a defensive LW to an offensive defenseman in one game. Something about playing defense just clicked with me. Nobody knew I could do that, myself included. It was a total accident.” Early days playing for Asiago Hockey 1935 Looking to the NHL for inspiration, Damien began molding his game around offensive defensemen that were taking the league by storm. Players like Duncan Keith and Drew Doughty were his templates, and his game grew accordingly. “I wanted to skate and pass like them. Their first pass out of their zone is always their best, and it’s so much harder to do in real life than it looks on TV. The timing has to be so, so precise.” Petri Mattila, head coach of Asiago Hockey 1935, remembers Damien’s love of reviewing his own game tape; “You can’t force the kids to love watching video of themselves, but Salducci was obsessed with fixing everything he thought he did wrong the previous night. I can’t teach that kind of ethic, but it separates the winners from the losers if I am honest.” Damien returned to the IIHF ice, this time for Italy's national team during the 2019 championships Damien enjoyed the rare honor of being the first Italian in the CHL import draft in a selection by the Kingston Frontenacs in 2019. He rewarded the team the following year with 50 games played, 8 goals and 34 assists with a +/- of 28. Frontenacs head coach, Paul McFarland, admits that the first half of the season was a challenge for Damien who was adjusting to the smaller North American ice, but “his vision of the game is exceptional, and he adapted really well. We’re all eager about his future”. "Playing hockey in Canada has been a dream come true" - Salducci about being a Kingston Frontenac Asked about a career in the VHLM/VLM, Damien pauses before answering. “It would be an achievement and the reason I’ve spent most of my life grinding at this game. My mom likes to remind me that getting there is not a right or guarantee, no matter how hard I work. I am really hoping it happens though.”

Thanks for the introduction! What can I do to help myself in anticipation of the draft?

Player Information Username: Deee.Geee Player Name: Damien Salducci Recruited From: Reddit Age: 18 Position: D Height: 72 in. Weight: 195 lbs. Birthplace: Italy Player Page @VHLM GM