Coccimiglio was tied for second on the Golden Griffins
in scoring with 20 points last season.
Key Statistics: Coccimiglio
had a good freshman season with 10 goals and 17 points
but his production tailed off a bit as a sophomore (4G,
8A). His junior season was a bounceback year as Coccimiglio
finished second in team scoring with eight goals and
12 assists -- all but one assist coming in Atlantic
Hockey play. He also produced four power-play goals,
raising his career total to seven. A drop-off in production
in the tail half of last season may be attributed to
a shortcoming in conditioning, something coach Dave
Smith does not expect to be a problem this season.
What He Does: Coccimiglio has the tools
to become a dangerous scoring threat in Atlantic Hockey.
Standing 6 foot and 190 pounds, physical strength makes
him difficult to knock off the puck and tough in the
corners. He shields the puck very well, making him perhaps
Canisius' most dangerous player in the slot. He has
a terrific shot and may be the team's best passer.
The Bigger Picture: Smith
feels Coccimiglio (pronounced with a silent "G")
has flown under the radar a bit and is counting on his
rugged forward to have a breakout season, which is important
as the Golden Griffins try to replace six graduates
who accounted for 26 goals and 40 assists last season.
Expect to see Coccimiglio on one of Canisius' top two
lines and on the power play as well. Coccimiglio, a
mature kid with a tremendous wit to him, is part of
class of eight seniors who are being asked to put Canisius
back on the right track.
Canisius head coach Dave Smith
on Coccimiglio: “Joey provides a focus.
He wants
to get better. He is a thinker. He analyzes everything
after he thinks about it and then be buys in. It's neat
to see that. The guys in the class behind him and even
the classes ahead of him saw that Joe was committed.''
