Kenny Agostino remains focused on staying in the NHL
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (BVM) — For every young hockey player, playing in the National Hockey League (NHL) is a dream come true. Now with his seventh different professional organization, Kenny Agostino is hoping to continue living out that dream as he’s currently with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Growing up, Agostino’s parents have always been by his side and continue to be a big part of his professional ice hockey journey. Although neither of his parents knew hockey all that well, it didn’t stop them from wanting their son to learn the game and support him however they can.
“They’ve been there every step of the way for me,” Agostino said. “There was never an instance where my parents didn’t give me or my brothers a chance to go to the rink or a tournament. If they’re not at a game live, there’s not many games they’re missing online when I’m in the AHL or on TV in the NHL.”
Throughout high school, Agostino helped lead Delbarton School to three state championships and is the programs all-time leading scorer. Following his high school success, he was invited to the NHL Scouting Combine in 2010 and would later be selected in the fifth round by the Pittsburgh Penguins with the 140th pick.
Ten years later, he still finds it hard to believe how time has passed and the initial reaction he had that day.
“Everyone says it’s crazy how fast your professional career goes,” Agostino said. “Hearing my name called to the Pittsburgh Penguins over the speakers at Staples Center with my parents there was a moment I’ll never really forget.”
Before he was selected, the Morristown, N.J. native chose to play college hockey at Yale University and spent four seasons at the school. Other enticing options were out there, but Agostino’s decision became much easier after visiting the campus.
“Once I went up there to check out the campus, the rink and speak to coach Allain, I really just fell in love with every aspect of it,” Agostino said. “I remember leaving that campus telling my parents this is everything I could want and more. I think I committed the day after that visit.”
During his junior year with the Bulldogs, the team made their second NCAA Frozen Four appearance in program history and went on to become National Champions. Agostino described the 2013 National Championship to be his favorite hockey memory.
“I’m getting goosebumps honestly just thinking about it,” Agostino said. “Having confetti come down at the Consol Energy Center (PPG Paints Arena) in Pittsburgh with all my best friends and family there has to be my No. 1 hockey memory.”
Back in March, the AHL season was suspended and eventually canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With a longer off-season than usual, it provided Agostino with an opportunity to continue training at his usual spot in Stamford, Conn. before he returned to Toronto last month.
“I rent from the same apartment complex in Stamford, Conn. every off-season and I train at Prentiss Hockey Performance,” Agostino said. “I got my off-ice workout everyday and as the summer moved along, I skated two-three times a week to get my hands and legs back under me.”
With the upcoming 2020-21 AHL season set to begin on Feb. 5, Agostino’s approach remains the same. Even with everything happening in the surrounding world, it hasn’t affected his mentality in the slightest.
“Nothing really changes with my mindset,” Agostino said. “My mindset is always to get myself physically the most prepared I can be for training camp.”
Those who’ve spent time in the NHL know how competitive it is amongst those fighting for a roster spot. No matter where he’s played in his career, Agostino has been grateful for all the opportunities he’s received.
“For me, I’ve been a career bubble guy where I’ll get my stints in the NHL, get sent back down for whatever reason and I just keep working to get another call-up,” Agostino said. “I really appreciate it and haven’t taken for granted any day I’ve spent in the NHL.”
Over the course of 85 games played in the NHL, Agostino has registered eight goals and 22 assists. For his AHL career, the 28-year-old has tallied 109 goals and 186 assists in 326 games played. During the 2016-2017 AHL season, Agostino took home the John B. Sollenberger Trophy as leading scorer and the Les Cunningham Award as Regular Season MVP.
