Valentino Rookie Experience

[Kekzkrieg 160]

          Washington, District of Columbia - With Season 68 in the books and the Continental Cup going to Seattle, D.C. Dragons Defenseman and Assistant Captain Luciano Valentino took the time to sit down and reflect on his Rookie season and more.  It was only a year ago that young Italian was a part of the Halifax 21st in their VHLM Playoff run to the semi-finals to be eliminated by the Ottawa Lynx. "I had a great team, management, and staff in Halifax and I don't think I would be here in the VHL without their guidance and mentorship", Luciano asserts. Going back to the VHL Season 68 Draft, Valentino did not know what to expect nor did he know where he was slated. "I know that the Draft was defense-heavy so I was worried that I'd be lost in the mix with other great defensemen in my class," Valentino laughed. Selected 5th Overall and the D.C. Dragon's first franchise pick in history means a good deal to Italian rookie. "Just the memory of it still gives me chills, I am beyond honored to have a new team in the league to put their faith in my play and I still hope to live to and beyond their expectations," Valentino recalls. Valentino was then voted as one of the Assistant Captains for the expansion team's inaugural season.

         However, his performance in his rookie season playing in the big league has brought his expectations down the earth. 

 

"It was a major reality check for me. Half of me was still starstruck in the fact that I'm actually playing with players I've looked up to like fellow D-men Jerry Garcia and Joseph McWolf while the other half was still trying to remind myself that I still need to push and develop as a player, teammate, and leader both on and off the ice."

 

          Valentino's main focuses were his skating, puck handling, passing and, of course, defense. He mainly led the powerplay with his speed and puck-moving ability setting up his new teammates for opportunities. On the penalty kill and 5v5, he wouldn't be afraid of blocking shots or hitting, which is a result of holding the second most shots blocked n Season 68. "I thought I had it sort of figured out but I always have to remind myself that there's room for improvement in every area," Valentino admits. Although Valentino thrived in these areas, he still wasn't up to par with the standard of his opponents. "The skill difference between the VHLM and VHL is astounding. The level of creativity and skill that the players in these league are nothing I've ever seen before and really shows how green I am," says Valentino. The Defenseman found himself making textbook mistakes in allowing his opponents to score with ease because of bad positioning, not communicating well enough on the ice, and a lot of high risk plays that never paid off.

"I think it's understated that I have a lot to learn and that the veterans in the locker room like Mikko Aaltonen and Pekka Pouta have given us young guns great guidance in perfecting our strengths, ironing out our weaknesses, and promoting a winning culture as a team," Valentino confessed. "I couldn't imagine playing anywhere else. The fan base, the organization, the locker room is one of a kind and I wouldn't happier wearing any other sweater without that Red Dragon on it. I'm working and hoping for a better season my Sophmore year," Valentino finished with a grin.

Edited November 9, 2019 by Kekzkrieg
Grammar editing.