MARCELLO RANALLO

CONNECTICUT

So. | F | Burnaby, British Columbia

Marcello Ranallo is from Joe Sakic's hometown, but nobody had to tell "Burnaby Joe" to shoot more; the UConn coaches hope Ranallo will.

Key Statistics: Ranallo was a solid find by coach Bruce Marshall, playing in every game in his inaugural collegiate season. He produced six goals and 22 points as a freshman, the fifth-best point production for a Husky rookie all-time and 13 more than his next-closest classmate. Ranallo’s 22 points ranked third on the team, and his minus-three rating tied for team-best. In Atlantic Hockey, Ranallo ranked eighth in freshman scoring and sixth in rookie assists. Ranallo scored only twice and had nine points in 20 games after New Year’s Day.

What He Does: Ranallo has a nice shot and quick release, and Marshall wishes he would use it more often – last season he took only 64 shots on net. Ranallo has good size at 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds but does not make a big physical presence on the ice, even though he has the strength to do so. He protects the puck well and is a strong skater. Marshall used Ranallo on one of his top lines last season, but he had little consistency with evolving partners. Ranallo played on five different line combinations after New Year’s, spending eight games with Jason Krispel and Corey Jendras and seven games alongside Matt Pedemonti and Chris Ochoa.

The Bigger Picture: Marshall wouldn’t mind if Ranallo starts to play a bit more selfishly and becomes the go-to guy rather than the playmaker. Ranallo has the gift of tongue – he speaks English, French and Italian – but he remains a quiet kid. Marshall admires the way Ranallo carries himself, and wouldn’t mind having a bunch just like him.

UConn head coach Bruce Marshall on Ranallo: “You don’t have to worry about him academically or socially. Hockey-wise, he shows up every day, works extremely hard, and has a tremendous skill set – just believing in it will elevate his game. His best hockey is ahead of him.’’