Mats Zuccarello

Mats André Zuccarello Aasen (born September 1, 1987) is a Norwegian professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Prior to joining the NHL, he played for Modo Hockey in the Swedish Elite League. In 2010, he won the Guldhjälmen (Golden Helmet), awarded annually to the most valuable player in the Swedish Hockey League.

Early life

Zuccarello grew up in the suburbs of Løren in Grorud Valley, Oslo. He is of Sicilian and Norwegian ancestry.

At the age of five, he began playing hockey in Hasle-Løren. After some years in Hasle-Løren, he started playing for Vålerenga, where he stayed until the end of lower secondary school. By that time, he had been scouted by Frisk Asker, which offered him a scholarship at the Norwegian College of Elite Sport, which he accepted.

Playing career

Norway and Sweden

Zuccarello began playing full-time for Frisk in the GET-ligaen, Norway's premiere league, as an 18-year-old. He scored eight points over 21 games as a rookie in 2005–06. The following season, he improved to 59 points over 43 games, third in league scoring behind Jonas Solberg Andersen and Mathis Olimb. In 2007–08, Zuccarello helped the Tigers to the best regular season record in the league. Zuccarello finished third in league scoring a second consecutive season with 64 points, as he and Tigers teammates Chris Abbott, Cam Abbott and Marcus Eriksson ranked as the top four GET-ligaen scorers. Zuccarello added 27 points in 15 playoff games, as the Tigers advanced to the Finals, where they were defated in six games by the Storhamar Dragons.

Zuccarello

Zuccarello (Italian pronunciation: [dzukkaˈrɛllo]) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Savona in the Italian region Liguria, located about 70 kilometres (43 mi) southwest of Genoa and about 35 kilometres (22 mi) southwest of Savona.

Zuccarello borders the following municipalities: Arnasco, Balestrino, Castelbianco, Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena, Cisano sul Neva, and Erli. Sights include the church of San Bartolomeo, built in the 13th century, the Marquisses' Palace, the remains of a castle, and the chapel of Sant'Antonio Abate, with late medieval frescoes.

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