Katie Hamlin | Ah, beat
For many, working for your hometown team is a dream.
for Anthony Angellothis is reality.
On February 26, Tampa Bay Lightning took the striker from the Nashville Predators and assigned it to Syracuse for austerity. Angelo was born in Angelo, NY and grew up in Manlius, Syracuse.
“I was fired,” Angelo said of going home to Syracuse. “The original mood – I’m excited. It’s very surreal, come back here and play for the team I grew up with.”
Angelo participated in some austerity games as a kid, but in Mark Hollick It’s the head coach. Angelo and Hollick’s son, Cooperplay hockey together at Fayetteville-Manlius High School.
“I was like, ‘Man, one day I want to play here.’” Angelo said. “That dream comes true. I’m very, very excited.”
Just like the players he grew up watching, Angelo has the opportunity to make an impact on the next generation of hockey players. He knows how much it means to be a part of the Yancheng hockey community, and in addition to his high school team, he has also played junior hockey with the Syracuse star.
Crunch’s home, North Medical University Arena, happened to be hosting the III State Hockey Championship this week — just after Angello was one of the first austere players to play Syracuse High School hockey, returning home.
“I think it’s just following your dream,” Angelo said, noting that his high school hockey day is still his best hockey memory. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything.”
The friendship developed in high school sports is a bit special. For those athletes, having the opportunity to compete on a professional stage is a memory, most of whom will always remember it.
“I think it would be a dream come true for many kids to be able to play in this building,” Angelo said. “I’m honored to do this every day.”
The Syracuse hockey community has impacted Angelo’s career in many ways, but he recalls a coach that had lasting impact on him.
“I play for the stars of Syracuse Scott Montagnahe is one of the best coaches I have. He taught me to work hard. He is honest and tells you when you do well, and he tells you when you need to step up. He definitely helped me to the next level. ”
Angelo, now entering his seventh professional season, has a chance to make an impact on Syracuse on the ice, but he also wants creative positive changes in the community. He worked with his former team, with the Ronald McDonald House charity and participated in several team programs, including the reading program named after him. In 2019-20, he was named the Wilkes/Scranton Penguins Champion for the IOA/American Specialty AHL Awards of the Year.
Familiarity with the team environment and the austerity staff helps transition in the middle of the season. He has worked in team facilities over the past few years so he has the opportunity to get to know people and buildings. And he was eager to start crunching.
“I’m going to be a person going to tough areas,” Angelo said. “I’m going to work hard. I’m going to play the game the right way. I’m not going to take the easy route. I’m going to try to lead by example.
“I just want to help these guys win. Being a part of it, just being a great team guy.”
It’s something Angelo is proud of as a kid from his hometown and playing for the team he grew up with. He is already looking forward to the feeling of winning the championship for the first time.
“I might be surprised. Just on the cloud nine. Look around and give it all.”
And he will embrace every moment in front of his parents and play in front of his support system.
“I’m going to look around and give it my best and don’t take a moment for granted. I’m going to enjoy it, embrace it, and stay here as much as I can.”
