#atozchallenge : Duco and DiRienzo

Today is a day I just couldn’t decide between two different players.

Image result for kitchener rangers mike duco

Mike played for the Rangers from 2003-2008. It was his first OHL team and he was drafted directly after they had won Memorial Cup. That makes a player’s ego sky-rocket. He’s bounced around a lot since then: AHL, NHL, European leagues. His last season playing hockey was 2015-16 according to the Hockey Database website.

Mike was in a few of my classes, he was pretty quiet and kept to himself. One thing that really stands out is that during a presentation in grade 12 on the child sex trade, he fell asleep. ASLEEP! During MY presentation. Pfftt… but about a month later, I went to a Russia/Canada Friendship game that was being held in Kitchener and watched a massive brick wall of a Russian smush Matt into the corner behind home net (while I had ice level seats) and he crumbled to the ice. To 17-year old T, that brought a lot of satisfaction.

Also making an appearance is Carlo DiRienzo.

Image result for kitchener rangers carlo dirienzo

Carlo played with the Rangers from 2002-2005 and is one of the few goalies in this challenge. He didn’t have much confidence, especially for a goalie – the position everyone knows that all the ladies like. Goalies be flexible! And he was on the Memorial Cup team!! After the OHL, Carlo didn’t do much – a few years in university hockey and ended his career by playing in Italy for the 2011-12 season.

Now, like I said, Carlo didn’t have a lot of confidence. He always hung out with Evan McGrath (see M for him!) who was the rock star during his years with the Rangers. Both on the ice and at school. It was rumoured that Carlo went to a party that the team was invited to one Friday night. Since he was striking out with all the girls there, he decided to take matters into his own hands…well not exactly…the rumour involves a jar of peanut butter, the party thrower’s dog and a dark corner. I’ll just let you fill in the blanks on that one…