Getting to know your Maulers
Player #11 Austin "Auzzie" Auzzinnaro

Get to know your Maulers

Player #11: Austin "Auzzie" Auzzinnaro

(Credit to Missoula Maulers)

Welcome back to another Meet your Maulers! This time we get to meet defenseman #25 Austin "Auzzie" Auzzinnaro! Auzzie is 6 ft 0 inm 175 lbs, and is from Spokane Valley, Washington, USA, and is a '96. In the 2012-2013 season he played with Team Compete U-17. Austin was the first one I decided to test out the new questions on, partially by his choice, and it went very well! He is a very sturdy and dependent defenseman who you would put out on the ice to get things done. Whether that be to score goals, assist goals, take out a few dirty players here and there, or try and manage to save a shift that has gone completely awry. He is basically the complete package that you would want in a blue liner. Now I haven't seen him fight yet but when he does I am fairly certain that it will be sick! He gets loads of ice time and I can understand why. Auzzie is great with the biscuits and has awesome tape to tape plays. His checks are huge and his skates are fast. I am undeniably excited to watch him play this season. I had the great pleasure of interviewing him the other day and here is what he had to say!

1. Why did you decide to join the Maulers?

AA: I joined the Maulers because I heard the atmosphere was good and the town was amazing. I wanted to play for a good team in this league so it was an easy choice

2. How do you feel about playing with a lot of your old team mates from Spokane?

AA: At first I was skeptical but I came around and I love it now because I know where they're at all the time. I knew I wanted to play with Erich Jaeger for sure

3. Favorite NHL team and player?

AA: Pittsburgh and I don't have a fav player

4. What skills do you expect to bring to the team on and or off the ice?

AA: On the ice I want to bring speed, solid defense, and shots on net. Off the ice I just want to be a team mate who is fun to be around and bring positive life to this team

5. Favorite pregame meal?

AA: 3 peanut butter and jellies

6. What do you enjoy to do when you are not playing hockey?

AA: I like to hang out with my work out buddy Anders Nord and billet brother Edward Pollon. But usually I like playing endless games of ping pong

7. Greatest chirp you have said or been told?

AA: You know I am one of the best chirpers out there but I don't really remember what I say. It just all flows out. So whatever comes out is my favorite

8. Best hockey memory?

AA: Beating Kent Valley in the championship after they all got and hung up in the locker room championship shirts and hats and ordered their plane tickets and hotel rooms. Loved beating them

9. What is your worst locker room experience?

AA: Something that happened stays in the locker room

10. Best dressed?

AA: I'm going to have to say me cause of my Letterman's coat and headbands and my school spirit at volleyball games

11. Worst rink you have ever played in?

AA: Oh wow I'll say the small rink in Rossland, Canada with the tractor for a Zamboni

12. Where do you see yourself in hockey in the next 5 years?

AA: Hopefully in college either playing hockey or just studying

13. Best travel partner?

AA: Erich Jaeger is the best but also the worst. If he sleeps on the floor I love him but if he sits in the chair next to me I hate him haha

14. Xavier LaFlamme, Hanson Brothers, or Jack O'Callahan?

AA: Hanson

15. Which NHL player would you like to play one on one with?

AA: Hmmm I'll say Datsyuk

16. What player on the team best embodies the junior hockey lifestyle?

AA: I'll say Corey Schafer

17. Is there anything you would like to tell the fans?

AA: Just want to say please come out and watch. I love seeing you all there and I feed off of your excitement level. The louder you are the better I play. Thanks to you all fans

18. If you had to be stuck on a desert island with anyone in the world and anyone on the team who would it be?

AA: I would bring Erich Jaeger

  As you can see, Auzzie is an all around hockey beauty with an enormous passion for the game and is a definite choice to watch this season! I had an awesome time interviewing him! Thank you Auzzie and good luck this season!