January 2, 2008
Nico Sacchetti gains control of the puck in the neutral zone in a game earlier this season at the Mid-America Center.
During the 2007-08 season, www.ushl.com will feature player profiles of current USHLers, giving people the opportunity to learn more about the players that are behind the masks. Rookie or veteran, it doesn't matter, players from all teams will be featured with a new player added each week.
Name: Nico Sacchetti
Nickname: Sac
Hometown: Virginia, Minnesota
Best Thing About Hometown: The hunting and fishing
Hobbies: Tennis, hunting, and fishing
Favorite Band: Three Days Grace
Favorite Movie: Superbad
Favorite TV Show: Family Guy
Favorite Food: Spaghetti
Dream Vacation: Somewhere in the Caribbean
Favorite NHL Team: Dallas Stars
Favorite Player Growing Up: Sidney Crosby and Mike Modano
Greatest Hockey Moment: Winning the section 7A title and being drafted last year.
Pre-Game Rituals: Taping my stick between warm-ups and game, put my left side on first for all my equipment.
Best Player You've Played With: Matt Niskanen
Best Player You've Played Against: Kyle Turris or Angelo Esposito
Describe your USHL experience so far? It's been going really well. It was definitely a tough transition being away from home, but once I adjusted I fell in love with it. My life is hockey all day every day and I'd have it no other way.
Was it a tough decision to leave high school early to come to the USHL? Definitely, there was a lot a time put in to making the decision and I had to weigh the positives and negatives of each choice, but after being here for a couple months I know I made the right one. I've become a much better all-around player because of it.
Explain what high school hockey is like in Minnesota. After moving to Nebraska, I realized high school hockey in Minnesota is the exact same as football in the southern part of the country. There is such anticipation for the season to come each year. People really put their heart and soul into their team; the community really gets behind you. When you win, it's like the whole city has accomplished something. Playing high school hockey in Virginia, Minn. is the best and most memorable thing I will ever do in my life.
What's the best thing about playing in Omaha? There are many things. I think we have the best facilities and staff in the entire league; we get treated extremely well. Also, there's a certain pride you feel when you throw on the Lancer jersey. So many greats have passed through the halls, and many more are to come and it's something special to be a part of the tradition.
What is it like playing for Coach Hastings? He is a very tough and demanding coach. He wants the best out of every player and he will do everything he can to get it. Besides being tough, he is a great guy off the ice. He develops a close relationship with each of his players, and I've seen first-hand that this bond lasts a lifetime.
You are committed to Minnesota. What made you choose them over other schools? Of course, being from Minnesota, I've always had the dream of wearing the "M." When I got to the age where I could commit I looked at various schools in the league and it was no question that Minnesota was the best fit for me.
What do you most look forward to about playing at "The U?" Skating out for that first game, looking into the stands, and feeling that chill go down my spine.
What was your reaction when you were taken in the NHL draft last summer? The experience of being at the draft and hearing your name get called is something I can't simply describe. You have to be there first-hand to see how special it really is. To walk down to the stage, hear the fans cheering, and put the Dallas jersey on; I don't know if I will ever get that feeling again in my life.
Your former teammate, Matt Niskanen, currently plays for Dallas. What does he say about life in the NHL and playing in Dallas? He says life in the NHL is everything he could ever want. His life is consumed by hockey and he loves it. As for Dallas, it is an outstanding organization and the situation the players are put in is second to none. The saying "Living the Dream" describes his life to a T.
How big of a thrill would it be to play with a former teammate in the NHL? This is a tough question. I've got such a long road ahead of me; Dallas still seems like something I could only dream of. Right now I'm just focusing on working as hard as I can everyday and hopefully I'll be able to experience that thrill one day.
What's one thing that nobody knows about you? I'm a pretty good tennis player.
Who would play you in a movie about your life? Gosh I don't know, maybe Stallone in his prime.
Who do you prefer in Minnesota pro hockey ? North Stars or Wild? Well I was pretty young when the Stars were around so I don't really remember them too well, but the Wild have been a team I can be proud of the last couple of years so I'd pick them.
What advice do you give to young players? Work as hard as you can everyday and enjoy the journey because it's over before you know it.
Previous Profiles
Will Weber - Chicago
Jason Gregoire - Lincoln
Tim Hall - Ohio
Matt Farris - Sioux Falls
Jake Skjodt - Indiana
