Printer Friendly Version - Plano Never Rests on Defense

Junior assistant captain Rocco Plano is one of the leaders on the East Haven co-op hockey squad this year. A defenseman, Rocco averages around 33 minutes of ice time per game for the Yellowjackets. Photo courtesy of Rocco Plano

It didn’t take long for Rocco Plano to make an impact for the East Haven ice hockey team. When Rocco was a freshman, the Yellowjackets had a matchup against Division I squad West Haven, and Rocco registered a crucial assist that helped East Haven come away with an eventual overtime victory.

As Rocco entered his junior season, his role on the squad only grew larger. Rocco was named an assistant captain for East Haven this winter and is proving a pivotal figure on the ice. In fact, Rocco helped the Easties get another win against West Haven when they defeated the Blue Devils 2-1 on Jan. 11.

“It means a lot,” says Rocco of being an assistant captain. “I’m always trying to get the guys going in practice and helping everyone on the team. It’s an honor. I’m very humbled and grateful to have the opportunity.”

East Haven’s coaching staff made the decision to appoint Rocco into an assistant captain’s position. Head Coach Lou Pane says that Rocco is a hard worker who brings great ambition to his team.

“His work ethic is incredible. Rocco leads by example and is committed to our program,” Pane says. “He works real hard and is determined and motivated to get better. He doesn’t miss any practices. He’s an outstanding young man who has set strong goals for himself.”

Rocco first stepped on the ice when he was nine. After watching his younger brother Sal play hockey, Rocco became infatuated with the sport. Even though Sal is four years younger than Rocco, the two brothers still try to spend time together at the rink when they can. Rocco also helps coach his youngest brother Enzo’s team on occasion.

Rocco competed for the West Haven-Yale bantam team, as well as the Connecticut Chiefs, prior to joining the Yellowjackets. At 12 years old, he started attending MB Sports Training at the Northford Ice Pavilion, working with other skaters who were several years older than him. At that point, Rocco knew hockey was going to be a big part of his future.

“Everyone there had some sort of success with hockey. It gave me the motivation to see where I could go with the sport,” Rocco says. “I got to work out and talk with them. I realized that maybe I could do something with hockey.”

Now in his junior campaign, Rocco has taken his passion for hockey and become a mainstay with the Yellowjackets. In addition to serving as an assistant captain, Rocco is a starting defenseman who averages about 33 minutes of playing time per game.

While it can be a grind at times, Rocco credits his teammates for helping him out, specifically senior goalie Logan Hamilton. In turn, Coach Pane says that Rocco has really stepped up this season and is showing just how valuable he can be.

“Rocco’s our guy. It’s unheard of to see a defenseman play 33 out of 45 minutes, but he’s willing to do it and not come out,” says Pane. “He does an outstanding job of it.”

This may wind up being Rocco’s final season with East Haven. Rocco is currently applying to prep schools for his final year of eligibility, including Hotchkiss, Millbrook, and Canterbury. While losing Rocco would be a major blow to the Yellowjackets’ defense, Coach Pane is rooting for him to have as successful a career as possible.

“If he comes back, he’ll be the leader of this team,” says Pane. “But as a coach, you always want to see the players move on and succeed. It’s an honor to see a guy like that go on and play at the next level.”

While things are up in the air for next year, Rocco has been focused on helping the Yellowjackets make states this season. Last week, Rocco and the Easties secured their eighth win of the year to qualify for the Division II State Tournament.

Rocco says that some of his best memories have come alongside his friends on the ice at East Haven. Rocco takes a great pride in being a blue-collar hockey player in his hometown, and it’s an experience that he will never forget.

“Not many people have the opportunity to throw on a uniform for their town or even have a chance to play the sport. It’s something that most people take for granted,” says Rocco. “I’m humbled to have the experience. I stay grateful for it.”