Scott Ricci - Rochester Americans - American Hockey League [AHL] On MLN Sports Zone

Rochester Americans

Comes To Play
Rochester defenseman Scott Ricci believes that living by this mantra will help him eventually reach the NHL.

By Dan Hickling
MinorLeagueNews.com

03.30.04 - Rochester, N.Y. -- Less than three hours before puck drop, and Blue Cross Arena does not yet belong to the thousands of fans who will fill it later in the evening to cheer on their Rochester Americans.

It is, for now, the domain of the popcorn vendors, the rink attendants, and Amerks defenseman Scott Ricci.

Anyone who happens to notice can see Ricci, stripped to t-shirt and shorts, running the halls of the arena.

Stops and starts. Stops and starts. Whether or not it helps his plus/minus ratio is an open question; but run he must. It is his way.

It is how Ricci, who has used diligence and conditioning to carve out a six-year minor league career, stays one step ahead of unemployment.

"Everybody gets to know their body," he said. "It takes me a little longer to warm up. It's a mental thing as much as anything. You go through a routine. When I got my shot (in the AHL) I didn't want to leave anything to chance, and not be ready for a game. I've always been prepared before the start of a game."

One of the many overused terms in sports is "Comes to play". Though in Ricci's case, the cliché fits him to a tee.

As long as teams keep asking him, he'll show up ready to skate.

In a sport where players drift from team to team, Ricci is the consummate hockey vagabond.

Thirteen teams have hired him on since he finished up at Clarkson College in 1998 and he's never spent an entire season in one spot, until this one.

Then again, this is the first time he has enjoyed the luxury of a major league contract. The Buffalo Sabres offered him one before the start of this season, just as he was set to start his second tour of duty with the Providence Bruins.

"Obviously having been on so many teams, I've gotten used to making adjustments," Ricci said. "I am happy about getting a permanent spot, although things were looking pretty positive in Providence.”

Ricci had actually signed a contract to play with Providence prior to being offered the NHL contract. He then had to ask the Bruins for his release before he could ink the Buffalo deal.

“They were great to let me go,” acknowledged Ricci

Swinging from one vine to another has become a way of life for the 29-year-old St. Catharines, Ont. native, one he's learned to accept.

"The one word I would use to sum up my pro career is 'frustrating'," he said. "Year after year, I come in and prove myself. I knew that once I did get somewhere, I knew I was capable and could help. It's just a matter of being patient and waiting for opportunity."

Ricci has been an anchor of a young Rochester defense that includes such bright prospects as Doug Janik, Nathan Paetsch, and Steve Lingren.

He certainly has made Amerks' coach Randy Cunneyworth's life easier.

"He's done a great job for us," said Cunneyworth. "He's got rushing ability, plus a solid upside, defensively. With that size (6-3, 210), he's able to use that reach and contain people.”

Ricci has a way of winning people over, some by his work on the ice and others via his pre-game running ritual.

"I have gotten to know a few (people)," he said. "There was one guy in Providence who used to make the cotton candy before the games, down in the back. There are faces around the rink that you get to know."

The trouble is that he doesn't stick around long enough to get to know anyone well.

Like anyone who has ever laced 'em up, Ricci still dreams of getting to the NHL. He has played in just about all the leagues there are, except that one.

Time, if not the impending lockout next year, may have ground a heel into those hopes. Still, he knows that there are still some corridors yet to be run.

"I'll find a spot somewhere," he said. "(Maybe) it's time to go over to Europe. If things don't work out this year, you can maybe say the dream is over as far as getting a shot (in the NHL). You've got to look at that. No matter what division you end up in there, you're still playing hockey."