Hockey success runs in the DeCenzo family
Storm forward realizes impact of dad’s coaching
By TODD GOTTULA
Tri-City Storm Communications
Thursday, March 4, 2010
KEARNEY, Neb. - He laced up hockey skates before he even knew how to tie them. Played his first organized game at age 5 and began studying game film when most kids his age still watched cartoons.
Folks in his hometown of Hibbing, Minn., always knew where to find Anthony DeCenzo. If he wasn’t skating on his backyard rink, he could be found shadowing his daddy, Mark – the local high school team’s veteran coach – at the rink inside the Hibbing Memorial Building.
“That’s where I fell in love with hockey,” recalls DeCenzo. “I remember going to games as a kid and being so mad because I’d always have to leave with my mom after the second period because the games went too late.”
Anthony grew up watching his beloved Bluejackets battle the area’s top teams: Virginia, Hermantown and Grand Rapids, itching for the day he could sport the navy blue and white Hibbing jersey himself.
He went on to become one of the school’s most prolific players, recording more than 200 goals in his prep career on his way to a roster spot with the United States Hockey League’s Tri-City Storm.
A 5-foot-10, 175-pound forward, DeCenzo now is in his third season with the Storm.
Following his high school career, DeCenzo joined the Storm for the final 12 games of the 2007-08 season. He returned last year and led the team in scoring with 44 points, which landed him a spot in the USHL All-Star Game.
New role
This season, DeCenzo is fifth on the team in scoring with 27 points (13 goals), and his role has changed from being the team’s go-to guy to a player who distributes the puck more often.
“Last year, we would run and gun with teams, so I got a lot more scoring chances,” says DeCenzo, who will play next season at the University of Vermont. “I’m probably more of a setup guy this year, looking to get the puck to our other scorers.”
It’s a role DeCenzo doesn’t mind having.
“The team’s success is my main focus. I don’t mind giving up the personal stats and accolades if it means winning games,” DeCenzo says. “I still look to be a go-to guy, but I’m not going to trade in a high-risk play for a turnover play.”
Head Coach Drew Schoneck says DeCenzo’s attitude is the sign of a mature player.
“Anthony has made personal sacrifices for the betterment of the team, and that says a lot about his character and leadership,” Schoneck says. “He’s a guy who has great work ethic, and he’s an older player, so he’s not afraid to step up and be vocal when it’s needed.”
All in the family
DeCenzo’s dad, Mark, played for Michigan State from 1974-78 and is one of Minnesota’s top high school coaches. His 29-year coaching career includes 19 appearances in the section finals, five state tourney berths and 256 wins in his 17 years at Hibbing.
Anthony’s uncle, Mark Pavelich, was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team and played in the NHL, mostly with the New York Rangers.
“I’ve definitely had some great mentors and people to look up to in my family,” Anthony DeCenzo says. “I wouldn’t have said this when I was younger, but my dad is a really smart coach. I owe so much of my success to him. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his support.”
DeCenzo cherishes his childhood memories, especially the many times he sat in his family’s living room, pen and notebook in hand, watching game film and mimicking his dad’s scouting reports and game notes.
“He definitely has hockey intelligence and is a student of the game, and I’m sure that comes from growing up with his dad as a coach,” Storm Coach Schoneck said of DeCenzo. “He picks up little things that other guys often don’t.”
Says DeCenzo: “My dad always pushed me a little harder than other guys on the team, and I didn’t always understand or appreciate that. He always pushed me to be better, work harder and to respect the game and play with sportsmanship. Today, I can’t thank him enough for that.”