NICK
MAZZOLINI
Providence
Jr. | F | Anchorage, Alaska
Mazzolini, an Alaska native, won an NAHL championship
with the Texas Tornado in junior hockey.
Key Statistics: Mazzolini
has worn the Skating Friar in all 72 games since he
arrived on campus, recording 35 points. In 2006-07 he
led the team with 16 assists and ranked second with
21 points, while finishing tied for third with a plus-4
rating.
What He Does: With his
size (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) and defensive awareness,
head coach Tim Army used Mazzolini against the best
centers in Hockey East last season: Boston College's
Brian Boyle, New Hampshire's Trevor Smith, Maine's Michel
Leveille and others. Mazzolini has what Army calls a
"sticky stick" that helps him intercept passes
and put Providence on offense.
The Bigger Picture: While
Mazzolini has posted solid numbers in his first two
years, Army expects big things offensively from his
big center. Since he plays against the opponent's top
line he will get plenty of ice time and should be able
to take advantage of any defensive shortcomings in their
game. Because of his size and two-way potential, Army
says Mazzolini could be a modern "power center"
for the Friars, in the mold of NHLers Eric Staal or
Jason Spezza.
Providence head coach Tim Army
on Mazzolini: “What I look for this year
from Mazz is more production offensively. He's just
beginning to tap into his potential there. He's the
guy to watch on our team – when he plays well,
we play well.”
