Pony hockey standout, Ty Tuccitto, heading to New Mexico
Senior Ty Tuccitto, captain of the varsity hockey team, is off to a great start to his senior season. Tuccitto was tendered to the New Mexico Ice Wolves, a juniors team, in the middle of the season. Tuccitto will stay with a billet family while in New Mexico playing for the Ice Wolves. He plans to finish his high school hockey season with the Ponies before going to New Mexico for 3-4 weeks to train. Tuccitto will then return home, graduate from Stillwater Area High School, train at home in Stillwater all summer will then return to New Mexico to begin the season with the Ice Wolves in the fall.
During the off-season Tuccitto spends time in the weight room “and then just getting out on the ice as much as I can and it’s not as much time you spent on the ice, it’s about the purpose and kind of having the right attitude every time you’re out there,” Tuccitto explained.
Anyone who has played with or been around Tuccitto would agree he is a great player and teammate.
“He’s a good player, it’s kind of special to be with him. One of the best players in the state so it’s pretty fun,” senior Kyle Einan said.
Tuccitto’s work ethic affects the whole team.
“He is definitely the hardest worker on the team. He just does a lot of stuff after practice and before and before games and is always ready,” Einan said about Tuccitto’s work ethic.
Tuccitto has a great personality that teammates are drawn to on and off the ice. He is a confident leader and this helps him to be the player he can be.
“I think it translates well on the ice. He’s not afraid to do anything,” Einan said.
Tuccitto’s role as captain of the Ponies is a perfect fit. He helps other players be the best that they can be on and off the ice.
“It feels great to be recognized by the team as like one of the leaders having been there for so long since my freshman year. It’s great to finally get that captain’s patch just to lead the team,” Tuccitto said.
“He just leads by example, that work ethic shows especially the younger guys what it takes to play at this level and it’s not easy,” Ponies Head coach Greg Zanon about Tuccitto’s leadership.
“I just think he’s got that easy going vibe. You know, I think anybody can come up to him and talk to him and I think he gels well with multiple different personalities and just having that personality being able to interact with people,” Zanon added.
Upon his tender, head coach of the New Mexico Ice Wolves, Phil Fox, tweeted, “We’re thrilled to have signed Ty to a tender for next year. Ty is a big power forward with a scoring touch. He is having a great start to his senior year for Stillwater and had been developing under some great coaches there. He adds nice depth up front and we are looking forward to helping his further development.”
Tuccitto is excited to continue his hockey career with the New Mexico Ice Wolves and will no doubt be a great addition to their team.
