Bucatini Takes Stolzschweiger Trophy

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Davos, Switzerland -- It's been a relatively quiet offseason for Davos center Antonia Bucatini, who isn't playing in this year's World Cup and is enjoying some rest and relaxation following her first VHL season. But there's one appearance she was certainly looking forward to: the VHL Award Ceremony.

 

There, Bucatini was nominated for the league's Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy for Rookie of the Year, alongside Calgary's Shawn Slezak and D.C.'s Tom Dufour. And in what wasn't a surprise to many, Bucatini took home this year's trophy in a unanimous vote.

 

"I don't think people realize how big the jump is from the VHLE to the VHL. So I'm just happy that I was able to contribute as much as I was," Bucatini said. "Whether it was Jokinen showing me what it means to wear the Davos colors, Content being my S93 Draft buddy in learning to adjust to the league, or Ironhide scaring me into passing him the puck, I had so much help from my friends, family and teammates this season. I'm proud to be standing up here to accept this award."

 

Bucatini was joined in the crowd by her family in town from Rome, as well as some close friends. Notably, fellow Italian forward Gianfranco del Rocco was seated at her table - but the two did not publicly embrace as Bucatini's name was called, continuing an air of mystery as to the true relationship between the two top picks in the S93 Draft.

 

For that reason and many others, many eyes will be on Bucatini as she begins her second VHL season. Will she be able to replicate the 93 points she had in year one?

 

"Maybe. That's a big number," she joked with press following the awards ceremony. "But I mean, I think I've got the talent to be at this ceremony at some point in the future." She added with a wink: "Wait around for me, will ya?"

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Will be tough to follow up! Hoping Woods can replicate some of the magic Bucatini did last season!