The Pittsburgh Penguins have many players in their development camp, which kicked off in Cranberry on Saturday, but one player in particular stands out for his experience in the area.
Matthew DiMarsico, who played at Penn State last season, grew up in Wexford.
DiMarsico appeared in 35 games for the Nittany Lions last season, recording seven goals and 19 assists, finishing fourth on the team in points and second in assists for Coach Guy Gadowsky's squad.
His 19 assists were second all-time among Penn State freshman players.
The 6-foot-tall, 181-pound forward grew up playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins' elite program.
“I've been at this rink for eight to 10 years,” DiMarsico said of the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, “and now to be at a professional rink and go see where the real Penguins play in practice, the facilities they use, the coaching, it's been really informative.”
“But at the same time, it's like a surreal moment.”
“Surreal” was a word DiMarsico used often, as he was excited to be playing on the same rink he played on as a kid, but this time with a spot with the Penguins on the line.
“It didn't seem real to me to be here,” DiMarsico said, “and then this morning, coming here and seeing the jerseys and the equipment, it was just a really cool feeling.”
Prior to playing at Penn State, DiMarsico played in the United States Hockey League with the Green Bay Gamblers and at the prep school level at Avon Old Farms boarding school near Hartford, Connecticut.
“It was a big jump,” DiMarsico said of making the move from boarding school to the USHL, “I got to play with some of the best players in the NHL and it really helped me hone my game for big-time hockey.”
DiMarsico was inspired to play hockey with the help of his older brother, Michael.
“My brother was into hockey from an early age, and I was lucky enough to watch him play,” DiMarsico said. “I grew up around (the Penguins' Stanley Cup win in 2009) and that's what got me into hockey, and the Penguins have been competitive ever since I was born.”
The Penguins' success has led to many talented hockey players coming out of the Pittsburgh area, including Arizona Coyotes forward Logan Cooley and New York Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck, a native of Upper St. Clair and Cooley of West Mifflin.
Sports run in the DiMarsico family – his father, John, played college football in the Army – and next season Matthew DiMarsico will be looking to add to the family tradition and join a growing list of Pittsburgh-born NHL players.
“Watching the Penguins games and growing as a player myself is what keeps my love for the game alive,” DiMarsico said.
Giustino Racchini is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Giustino can be reached at gracchini@triblive.com.
