ANDREW AGOZZINO - LOOKING DOWN THE STRETCH
Lizz Child
Apr 2, 2023
As we near the end of the AHL’s regular season, San Jose Barracuda captain Andrew Agozzino has seen the team through the highs and lows, and with playoffs on the horizon, he and the team know what is on the line. “It seems like it’s all the way down to the final weekend,” remarked Agozzino when asked about the late-season playoff push. “With so many teams involved in the playoffs, it makes for great hockey down the stretch because there are so many teams involved in the race.”
While the Barracuda currently sit six points behind the Tucson Roadrunners for the final spot in the Pacific Division’s playoffs, a strong push in the final two weeks of the regular season could see things change quickly. For Agozzino, leading through actions is stronger than any message he could give the room in words. Citing that everybody knows how important making the playoffs can be for careers and the organization as a whole.
Of course, to make that strong playoff push, the team has to find some consistency throughout the final games. Something that was thrown into a bit of a spin as the most consistent line the Barracuda have seen together throughout the season has been Agozzino flanked by rookies William Eklund and Danil Gushchin. With Eklund’s season over and Gushchin currently spending time up in the NHL with the Sharks, there has been a lot of line shuffling for the Barracuda over the last handful of games, especially with Agozzino himself just returning from a stint in the NHL. While the trio won’t play together again this season, the work they’ve put in throughout the year has benefited each of them.
“I’ve probably played with Eklund the most,” said Agozzino. “Just by playing with someone repeatedly, you definitely find chemistry in terms of knowing where guys are, knowing when they want the puck, and certain little tendencies they have, so that helps a lot. Same thing with Goosh. I’ve been lucky enough to play with both of them the majority of the season and they’re really skilled players, so it makes the game easier on me. I think we all bring something different, a different element to the line and I think that’s what has made us a good line for a good chunk of the season.”
A few weeks earlier, following the Feb. 15 Barracuda victory over the Ontario Reign, Gushchin also commented on the group playing well together, chuckling: “Three smaller guys but still, we play good, hard games. I think we’ve got some chemistry together. We just see each other and when somebody is in a better position, we can just pass back and he can score.”
Speaking of the rookies, at times throughout the season, it has felt as though the newcomers and veterans have hit hot streaks at different times, something that Agozzino recognizes as both something that needs to change but is also nice to see.
“If we could get everyone playing well at the same time, that would be ideal, but throughout the year there are certain stages where you’re going to need certain guys to carry the load at certain times and we’ve been lucky enough to have guys score in stretches. I think, for us to be successful, we need everyone to play like that.”
Remember that earlier comment about leading by example, rather than through words? Agozzino has been doing just that on the scoresheet. In his last 22 games with the Barracuda, the captain has picked up 14 goals and 13 assists, leading the team in points (53), goals (24) and assists (29). With six games remaining in the regular season, Agozzino finds himself just one goal behind the Barracuda record for goals in a season (25), a mark set by Barclay Goodrow during the 2016-17 season. While Agozzino noted that he was unaware that he was nearing the record until someone told him, besting Goodrow’s total has not been on his mind, saying, “Hopefully I get it and get a bunch more, but I haven’t really looked at it.”
The determination of a playoff push. Six games. Two goals. Captain Agozzino may not be thinking about the record but the rest of us will be eagerly watching every shot he takes.
GET TO KNOW ANDREW AGOZZINO
Walk us through your gameday routine (7 pm game):
Well, I wake up at 7 o’clock, like most mornings. Just a normal breakfast, go to the rink, morning skate. Go home, make some lunch. Have a little nap and then head to the rink at about 4:15. I’d say it’s almost as typical of a day for a hockey player as you could imagine.
Do you have any specific routines or superstitions on a game day?
No. I actually don’t really have any set routines that I can think of. I bet if you paid close enough attention maybe there are certain things that I do unknowingly over and over again, but my nap time could change and my lunch could change. I don’t really put too much thought into that kind of stuff.
Are you a pre-game coffee guy?
Uh yeah. Probably too much coffee, but definitely pre-game coffee.
(Always black coffee, if you were wondering.)
What would your perfect day off look like?
A perfect day off would be... The kids sleep in and then a nice breakfast at home or, if we can get out the door and go for breakfast somewhere, and spend some time outside. We’ve been lucky enough have been able to go to some nice places and spend time outside with the kids and enjoy the sunshine. A nice breakfast and being outside with the kids is probably as good as it gets.
If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be and why?
Maybe a grapefruit because they’re kind of sweet, yet sour. I feel like I can be a little grumpy, sour, and honest at times but I think I’m a pretty big-hearted guy when it comes down to it.
Three teammates you’d want on your zombie apocalypse team and what everyone’s roles would be?
[Patrick] Sieloff, number one. His role? I feel like he’s pretty "jack of all trades". We call him the “Sergeant” and I think he would know what’s going on. I’d probably take [Darren] Brady because he’s resourceful, similar to Sieloff. I feel like he’d be a good guy to have in a situation like that. A third guy, maybe Will Riedell. Same kind of thing. I think they’re all kind of similar. I think they’re all good guys to have on your side in a situation like that.
Would the group survive?
I think we’d give it a good honest effort. Depending on how many there were. Yeah, we’d have a good shot.
Honestly, we already know, but who is the loudest guy in the room?
Adam Raška.
(Sorry, Adam!)
Who has been the best locker room DJ this season?
Robo [Tristen Robins] has been holding it down. He’s done a good job. It’s not an easy gig to DJ for 25 guys but I think Robo has done a good job.
It’s a thankless job. Nobody wants it.
To the fans:
Just thanks for all the support so far this season. Looking forward to the last handful of home games and hopefully, once the playoffs start, we’ll see you guys out there!