SUMMERSIDE – The last year of junior eligibility is a very special experience for all players.
But for defenceman Gianluca Fuoco, this year takes on extra significance.
The 20-year-old Toronto native opted to sit out all of the 2018-19 season after tearing ligaments in his shoulder during an exhibition game with the Ontario Hockey League’s Guelph Storm last fall.
“When I got healthy around Christmas, I said, ‘Let’s rehab properly and then give it another kick at the can this year,” said Fuoco, explaining his decision to take a full season off. “I needed to get back to 100-per-cent health-wise for myself and to know I could give 100 per cent this year wherever I ended up playing.”
That is with the Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals of the Maritime Junior Hockey League.
A text from Capitals director of scouting Justin Harrison in January started the ball rolling towards Fuoco’s arrival in Summerside. The Caps had one open card remaining at that time.
“The way the timing went we couldn’t get my papers (finalized in time),” said Fuoco. “I reached out again in the spring, we started talking and I ended up signing in June to come play here.”
The right-handed-shooting Fuoco describes himself as a “shut-down defenceman” who welcomes the challenge of killing penalties. He has one goal, one assist and four penalty minutes in six regular-season games with the Caps.
“I just want to establish a role on this team for me and the rest will fall into place,” said Fuoco. “I have always played hard-nosed and gritty, that’s who I am.
“The main goal here for everybody is to win a championship and I just want to do what I can to contribute to that.”
The Caps like what they have seen from the six-foot-three and 200-pound Fuoco.
“He’s a hard-nosed defensive defenceman,” said Caps head coach Billy McGuigan. “He’s a shut-down guy, he’s 20-years-old, he has some experience and I think he’s only going to get better as time goes on.
“He hasn’t played in a year and hasn’t even been practising for about a year. Even the start of training camp practices were a little different for him as well.
“He’s getting in the groove here and I think you will see a better player as the season goes. He is going to be a real good attribute to our hockey club.”
It’s a process Fuoco expected joining a new team.
“Some of the systems take a couple of weeks to try and learn,” he continued. “Everybody here, from the head coach down, have been top notch.
“They have been patient, everybody has welcomed me with open arms and I could not have asked for more.”
Fuoco’s resumé includes 54 career games in the Ontario Hockey League with the Saginaw Spirit and Erie Otters.
“It was definitely a cool experience,” said Fuoco. “For me it was always a childhood dream to play in that league.
“It taught me a lot about myself and my game.”
Patience
Fuoco admitted sitting out last season was very difficult at times. Asked what the biggest lesson he learned during his recovery, he immediately quipped, “patience” and added everything happens for a reason.
“I’m blessed to have ended up here,” said Fuoco. “It’s a great organization and great facilities. Like I said, for me, the big thing was patience and the rehab to get back to 100 per cent.
“Wherever I ended up I knew it was going to be a good spot and I wanted to give myself the best shot to have a good year.”
McGuigan said Fuoco’s comeback story is inspiring and he’s been a great fit with the Caps.
“He’s battled some very serious injuries and at one point there was a time he didn’t think he was going to be able to play hockey again,” said McGuigan. “He’s fought through it and he comes to the rink every day with a positive attitude.
“He’s a great kid, he works hard and he’s a leader on our team, too. He’s not scared to speak his mind and he helps the younger guys. He’s always trying to help out.”
Adjustments
Fuoco is not only getting acclimatized with a new team and league, he’s also adjusting from the big-city life of Toronto to small-town living in Summerside.
“It was definitely a little bit of a culture shock, that’s for sure,” said Fuoco with a smile. “I have a great billet family (Cathy Lettues and Tim MacDonald) here in Summerside, everybody in the organization is top notch and has welcomed me with open arms. I can’t complain.”
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