Hello Europe - Matteo Stefano

[mmrs617 321]

Play in the VHLM - Check

Get drafted to the VHLE and VHL - Check

Play in the VHLE - Check

Win the King's Cup - Check

Contribute offensively throughout the season - ... not so much.

 

When Matteo Stefano arrived in Cologne to join the Express, his enthusiasm and excitement was through the roof. Sure, he was making a big change by joining a team across the ocean from his hometown, but this team that had some definite fire power and he had a chance to show what he had to the world. The Express won 4 of the last 7 Renaissance Cups including a three-peat from S89-S91. He thought this was the time to really build on his offensive skills by watching and playing with the best players in the league, and maybe the world. And during the season, he really got to see that skill. The team's goal differential was 36 more than any other team. The talent that this team put on the ice offensively and in net were head and shoulders above the competition. The only caveat to that was the role that Stefano was place into.

Naively (and selfishly), he was hoping to learn to hone his offensive skills by being on the top line and showing it off right away. The only issue with that was the firepower in Cologne was well established, and Stefano wasn't. He hadn't even played a full season in the M and had a lot of unknowns still. So he was placed in the role of defensive forward. Maintain the lead brought on by the top 6. This was a role that Stefano was comfortable with, but can't help but be a little jealous of the hype earned from the scorers. So the learning happened at practice. It happened on the bench between shifts. It happened in the locker room. It just didn't really convert to the ice... yet.

The S94 playoffs are about to start. Stefano is excited for the opportunity to show what he's learned throughout the season. Stay focused, get control of the puck, keep control. That is the goal. Stefano has shifted his playstyle going forward: Don't worry about the points, put yourself in the right position and they will come. Play your role and you will be contributing to the team. He is hoping that he can keep this mindset and for every second he helps keep the puck out of his net, he is one second closer to raise the cup.