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Date: Mar 10, 2010

‘Complete’ Saracino Takes CSHL Scoring Title

Nick Saracino came into this season hoping to put up decent numbers with the St. Louis Jr. Blues.

After last weekend, his hopes went well above his own predictions as Saracino finished atop the CSHL scoring chart with 40 goals and 60 assists for an even 100 points.

Ever the modest player, Saracino said hitting the century mark was unexpected. He was held scoreless in just five of his 46 games this season.

"I never was a big goal scorer until this year," said Saracino, who only turned 18 on Feb. 20. "I never was a big guy with numbers and stats. On past teams, I have always been in the middle of the pack."

Even if Saracino was humble, St. Louis coach-GM Jack Behan was the direct opposite.

"Nick is a complete player," Behan said. "His puck protection skills remind me of a Paul Stastny or Jarrod Mermis and his vision reminds me of an Eric Slais or Tim Jost. Plus, he is a very good finisher, much like his linemate Chris Hutton or a Travis Turnbull. His competitiveness is what I really enjoy the most in coaching Nick. He hates to lose and really steps it up when the game is on the line." 

Saracino reaching the 100-point total is only the third CSHL player in the past dozen years to hit 100 points. Two ex-Jr. Blues (Cory Spradling in 2006-2007 and Paul Stastny in 2001-2002) previously accomplished the feat.

Next season, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Saracino will have numerous options to continue his hockey career. Tendered by the NAHL's St. Louis Bandits, he has also received heavy interest from USHL teams and could get drafted by a USHL club in May's entry draft.

"If a USHL team drafts me, I will have to look at my options," Saracino said. "Ever since my brother (Chris, now playing Division I hockey at RIT) played in the USHL, it has been one of my dreams to play in that league. I want to play in the NAHL or the USHL next year and hopefully play DI hockey and see where hockey takes me from there."

"A few Division I schools have already contacted me about him," added Behan. "He is, without a doubt, a future Division I player. Nick will be successful at the next level because he can adapt his game. He is great in tight spaces, but also a threat when given some room. He just can beat you so many ways. I don't think there are too many 1992 birth year players around who are as complete players as Nick."

Even on a team that went 44-4-0 this year and finished No. 1 overall in the CSHL, Saracino said playing in St. Louis was never a cake walk and not one game came easy to him or the team.

"We have a very good team this year and I knew that from the first day of practice," said Saracino, who said he studies T.J. Oshie's game. "We had a lot of returning players and really strong leadership. The season was not easy at all. We had a lot of tough games that we had to battle through to get the two points. Every season you play is a grind and it doesn't matter if you go undefeated or if you lose every game."

Still, this season may have just been the tip of the iceberg as to what Saracino will actually do in his potentially long career on the ice.

"I have no doubt that Nick will continue to be an impact player throughout his career as he moves up the ladder," said Behan. "No doubt in my mind."

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