Rocco Serrano - Biography

[Brandon 450]

 

EARLY DAYS

Rocco Serrano’s story starts in Boston, Massachusetts, where he spent his childhood inside his family’s pizza shop. His parents, Giovanni and Rosa, worked long hours to keep the shop running, while little Rocco was right there with them, learning how to make pizzas, answer calls, and help with deliveries. While most kids his age were outside running around and playing video games, Rocco was learning the value of true hard work. But he didn't care, because he was around family.

 

Truly, hockey was always in the back of Rocco's mind. Growing up in Boston, a city with a rich hockey history, Rocco couldn’t help but be drawn to the game. He started skating at a young age and was soon playing in local youth leagues. Hockey was his true passion, and as the rink slowly became his second home.... his love for the game would only grow stronger.

 

 

By the time Rocco entered high school at St. Sebastian’s, he was playing on the varsity hockey team, but balancing hockey with the responsibilities at the family pizza shop became even harder. He was no longer just a player; he was a key contributor to the team, and the stakes were getting higher. But back at the shop, his parents were depending on him more than ever. Countless nights were spent finishing practice and heading straight to the shop for a few more hours of work.

 

“There were days I felt completely drained. I had school, practice, and then work. But this was my destiny.” Rocco said.

Despite all the attention he was getting from scouts, Rocco never lost sight of what was important. His family’s pizza shop was always a priority, and he made sure to help out after practice. “It wasn’t always easy, but I wanted to be there for my parents,” Rocco says. “They put so much into the shop, and I wanted to help out whenever I could.”

 

 

COLLEGE

When it came time to decide on college, Rocco decided to stick close to home to help around the shop. Luckily for him, one of the best hockey programs in the country was across the street. With Boston College was just a short drive away from home, and it was the perfect place for him to continue his hockey career. After joining the Eagles hockey program, was where his true talent started to shine through.

Between early morning practices, games, schoolwork, and the pizza shop, Rocco was constantly busy. At that point, it was apart of his life. Although it meant giving up some social opportunities and experiences in the process, he didn't regret a thing.

 

While at Boston College, Rocco found his role as a reliable forward. He's never been the flashiest player, but from day one he made sure to focus on the little things. Winning puck battles along the boards, blocking shots, backchecking with consistency, and playing a gritty style. It wasn’t always about scoring goals. For Rocco, it was about contributing to the team in any way he could.

After graduating from Boston College, Rocco knew it was time to take the next step in his hockey career, to the VHLM. 

 

“It was a hard decision but I knew it was time to go. After so many years helping out at the shop. I had to make this move, for me and for my family.” Rocco mentioned.

 

 

VHLM

While flying high and using his size advantage in the college game, joining the Reapers has come with some adjustments. A raw talent, that needs refinement, but with time it can be visualized. For now, he will be playing in a shutdown role and trying to lay a strong foundation on the 3rd line leading into the playoff push. The Founders Cup chase is more than just about hockey for Rocco, it's proving himself that he deserves to be here to himself, to the kid working in a family pizza shop dreaming of playing professional hockey. It's about joining a high flying team, and enjoying the experience. All of the existing players are what got the Reapers to where it is today, now it's up to everyone to finish the work.

 

"There are higher hopes for the VHL. But for now, my focus is on what's right in front of me. Week by week, day by day." Rocco said in a closing interview statement.

 

FUTURE

But deep down, Rocco knows that his ultimate dream lies ahead. As a kid growing up watching Tomas Sogaard, the star Left Wing for the Moscow Menace and Toronto Legion, he always imagined what it would be like to step onto the ice in the VHL. The VHL is the pinnacle of professional hockey, that's where the best are, and that's where the best want to be. When Rocco described his dreams of playing hockey, it was never the VHLM, it was always the VHL.