ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Joseph Cecconi likes blending into the background.
With both his personality and his play on the ice, the Dallas Stars prospect and University of Michigan defenseman is at his happiest when no one notices him.
“I don’t need the flash and flare, that’s for those two-way defenseman,” Cecconi said. “I like to play my game, play simple hockey, and I think it’s a compliment when no one notices you.”
But I wanted to notice Cecconi, it’s the only reason I had made the trip to Yost Ice Arena for a Big 10 NCAA hockey game between Michigan and Penn State.
So, what’s the best way to watch a Cecconi’s game?
I asked one of the experts in that realm, his former defensive partner and current Columbus Blue Jackets top-pairing defenseman Zach Werenski.
“I don’t think he was getting the credit he deserved for a long time, for the player he was, he doesn’t play that flashy game where he’s going to stand out to a ton of people,” Werenski said. “But if you really watch what he does you can appreciate it.”
Werenski had 36 points (11 goals, 25 assists) in 36 games playing with Cecconi. The Stars prospect only had seven points that season, all assists, but Werenski credits Cecconi for his ability to put up bigger numbers in his second season at Michigan.
“For me personally I’m kind of an offensive guy, he was back there supporting me,” Werenski said. “He was making the easy plays, getting pucks out, blocking shots, playing physical, just being a defenseman and he’s a really good at that.”
Cecconi is in a similar role this season with Michigan. Now a junior, he’s been entrusted as the safety net for freshman and projected 2018 NHL Draft top-10 pick Quinn Hughes.
Hughes is the player scouts and fans come to watch. He’s 5-foot-9, 167-pound lefty that may be the most talented skater in his draft class, he plays big minutes, and thanks to Cecconi he has more freedom to roam at Yost.
“It’s easy to play with Quinn, he’s obviously such a great talent, really I think him and (Sweden’s Rasmus) Dahlin are the two best players going into this draft,” Cecconi said. “So it’s fun to play with him. I just talk to him a lot, help him with things here and there, and I know that my job is to make sure he’s effective as possible.”
While it might not seem that way at first, Cecconi actually fits well in the future of the NHL. Quick, puck-moving defenders are going to define the game, but they need wingmen to make their lives easier.
“I think so,” Cecconi said. “I think every team is going to have two or three guys like that who can move the puck and really jump into the play like a fourth forward. You have to have players that understand and can play with them, and I think that’s where I fit in.”
So that’s what I looked for on Friday while watching Michigan post a 4-0 shutout against Penn State.
Cecconi is seemingly always in the right spot, and on a couple instances where Hughes lost the puck on a freelancing mission, the Stars prospect showed off enough understanding and foot speed to defuse a potential odd-man rush.
To his credit, Cecconi is also growing more confident in the offensive zone. He’s likely not going to play that role in the NHL, if he reaches that level, but he’s been trusted on the Michigan power play for the first time in his career.
That’s helped him post a career-best 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in 23 games, including an assist against Penn State on a tipped shot by Jack Becker.
“I’ve never really had that chance, so it’s giving me a lot more chances to play the puck and get touches,” Cecconi said. “I’ve always had a big heavy shot, but that wasn’t something that defined me. If I can add a bit of offense, that’s great, and I think it adds an element to what I can bring.”
While power play duties are an added element, Cecconi has always thrived shorthanded. Against Penn State he was Michigan’s first defender on the ice shorthanded and often spent more than a minute of the two-minute power play on the ice.
It’s the main reason he was was on the American team that won a gold medal at the 2017 World Junior championships. He was a bottom-pairing defender on that team, but was one of the busiest penalty killers.
That gold medal holds a special memory for Cecconi.
It was a chance to represent his country and his game grabbed more attention. And after winning his gold medal he was able to share a special moment with his grandfather also named, Joe, who he gave the medal to after the Americans beat Canada in Montreal.
“He’s always been there for me, he’s been a huge influence on me as both a hockey player and as a person,” Cecconi said. “He’s actually waiting down stairs right now, we’re going to talk about the game after we finish (this interview) here.”
The elder Cecconi lives in the Buffalo area but makes the five-hour trek to Ann Arbor for each Michigan home game. He’s also in attendance at most road games, and has dedicated his weekend to watching his grandson play.
“Sometimes the Minnesota trip is a bit too long of a drive, but in general he’s at most of our games,” Cecconi said. “That means a lot.”
And the Cecconi family is looking forward to his future in Dallas, even if that means figuring out better travel arrangement for grandpa.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’m not getting too far ahead, I still have time here at Michigan, but it means a lot to be drafted and be a future Dallas Star,” Cecconi said. “I’ve had contact here with them and Rich Peverley, and it’s a great organization that I’m looking forward to working with.”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.