Release from 30.09.2022

"I try to keep it simple in the o-zone"

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Nick Saracino is one of two players in the win2day ICE Hockey League who still have a goal-scoring streak available since the start of the season, as the forward of newcomer Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey scored five goals in the first four games, topping goal scoring charts too.

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Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey's have faced Graz, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Villach at the start of the new win2day ICE Hockey League season. Nick Saracino scored in every single game, against VSV he recorded a brace. His offensive power led the newcomer to one win: In the opener at the Moser Medical Graz99ers, the Italians celebrated their premiere victory. Saracino scored the goal to take a 2-1 lead in the first half. After the good opener in Styria, the forward mainly mourns a better result in the two home games: "In the decisive phases we simply made too many mistakes. If that happens against good teams, it is very difficult to come back. We must be more attentive in the future, avoid mistakes to be successful," says Saracino.

Defensive improvement necessary
However, the league newcomer's top scorer sees potential above all in defensive behavior. For him, 4.25 goals conceded per game are "simply too many," as the Italians also have the highest goals against average of all teams. "We work on our defense every day in practice. It still takes time for us to feel comfortable in our positions and we also need to communicate better with each other on the ice. But we've only played four games - we still have enough time to get more stable," explains the 30-year-old.

"simple playes" to top the scoring charts
Last season, Nick Saracino proved that he can be a reliable goal-scorer as he played for Slovakian extra-league team HKM Zvolen. He collected 22 goals in 61 games, leading his team to the semifinals as team’s second-best scorer. Now in Asiago, he has seamlessly followed up his performances in Slovakia with five goals in four games. "I try to keep my play in the o-zone as simple as possible. I try to find the free areas in front of the net. I don't need 'highlight goals.' I love to play an aggressive forecheck. I work in front of the net, fight for every rebound," says Saracino.

Next stop Hydro Fehérvár AV19
On Friday Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey will stop by at Hydro Fehérvár AV19 (7.15 live on live.ice.hockey). The Italian side travelled to Hungary on Thursday. Against the Hungarians, Saracino sees an improved defense as a key factor: "We have to focus on our defense - that will be important all season. We're looking at our D-zone first and from that we want to create some dangerous offense."

Fotocredit: Werner Krainbucher