Puppy Ciao: Vince Loschiavo determined to feed the net for U of S Huskies

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Vince Loschiavo traveled abroad and back.

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The Winnipeg, Man. native continues his hockey adventure in Saskatoon as a first year player with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.

The former Western Hockey League forward – who played five seasons in the league, split between the Kootenay Ice, Moose Jaw Warriors and Edmonton Oil Kings – joined the Dogs after spending a year playing professionally in Europe for Asiago in Italy, his ancestral homeland.

“My dad is from Italy and he moved to Canada when he was nine,†said Loschiavo, who scored 37 goals and 25 assists for 63 points in 62 games for Edmonton in his final year in the league. WHL.

“He had connections there and it was a great experience to be able to go there and see where he grew up and play hockey. I have met a lot of family that I had never met before. It was good too. “

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound forward recorded 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points with Asiago in the Alpine Hockey League and added one goal and one assist in six games with Asiago in the Championship league. Italy during the 2019-2020 season. which was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a great experience to go and seek professional games under my belt, to play against older guys and guys who have played for professionals before – even me, being quite young still at 21,†said Loschiavo. , now 23 years old. “But I thought it was a good experience to have with me before I went to college and, you know, I hope to come back and play pro again after I finish my studies.

For now, Loschiavo is pure Puppy Ciao as one of the 14 newcomers to the Dogs. He is currently studying at the Edwards School of Business.

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“(U of S) is one of the best (U Sport hockey) schools in the country,†said Loschiavo, whose Huskies host the University of Regina Cougars in their season opener. Canada West men’s hockey, Friday evening, 7 pm, at Merlis, Place Belsher.

“I was quite surprised that there aren’t more outside guys here, but I’m definitely happy with my decision to come here.

“It’s good. I enjoy my time here so far. Lots of great players and great guys here. The start was great and the league is great too. I certainly enjoyed my year once in a while. sure, â€he said.

So how did Loschiavo – who has no family ties to Saskatoon – end up with the Huskies? Give Dave Adolph help.

“I was talking to (then head coach Adolph) after my 20 year year in Edmonton and still wasn’t sure if I wanted to try Europe Pro or go to school right away, and I finally decided to do it. ‘Europe pro,’ Loschiavo said.

“But, given the period of one year in which we have to try to be pro, and continue to use this scholarship (WHL) afterwards, I knew that I still wanted my studies to be paid, so after the year in Italy – which was a good experience – in the end I think it was my best decision to go back to school and graduate while I was still playing hockey.

Loschiavo impressed during the preseason, which saw Saskatchewan go 6-2. He even scored four goals, unofficially, in one game against the Cougars.

“Losh can shoot the puck and he can skate,†said Huskies head coach Mike Babcock, who has 17 seasons under his belt as a NHL head coach. “I say all the time to Losh, we need him to become not just a racing player but a stronger cycle player, and the more he does that the more he is going to score. This is the challenge for him.

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Babcock said he’s here “to help our guys get better, so that’s what I’m trying to do for Losh.”

“He’s a good man. Vinny loves hockey. He loves people. He likes to talk. And he’s Italian, man, Babcock said, waving his hands expressively.

“The best part is I think Grandma cooks a (team) meal for us when we go to Winnipeg. Now that would be a home run.

TALES OF DOGS: Veteran Defender Gordie ballhorn was unveiled on Tuesday as the new captain of the Huskies team… The Huskies will carry three goalies this season with the holders Travis child and Declan Hobbs with rookie Roddy Ross.

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WEST CANADA HOCKEY

Saskatchewan Huskies vs Regina Cougars

7 p.m. Friday

Merlis Belsher Square