After two years of junior hockey and unforgettable playoff moments, Angelo Massaro is officially continuing his hockey career at Illinois State University.
For Massaro, the decision to transfer to Illinois State was an easy one thanks to the school’s strong hockey culture and the opportunity to stay close to home. “What made me transfer to ISU was the great hockey club they have at the school, and I am also from Illinois.”
Along with continuing his hockey journey, Massaro plans to major in General Business as he begins this next chapter both academically and athletically.
Throughout his playing career, one coach has had a major impact on him: Logan Wilt, who coached him during both years of juniors. Massaro says Wilt always knew exactly how to motivate him and push him to produce offensively. “He always found a way to get it into my head to get a point every game whether it was him pulling me aside or just walking past me saying, ‘wash your stick.’”
Behind the scenes, Massaro credits his family as his biggest supporters throughout his hockey career, helping him reach this next level.
Some of the most memorable moments of Massaro’s career have come in high-pressure games. One of his biggest goals came against York High School, where he scored a hat trick to help advance his team in the playoffs. Another moment he will never forget was defeating New Trier Green to earn a trip to the state championship game.
Away from the rink, Massaro says he would choose to be a hawk if he could be any animal because of their vision and ability to see different perspectives from above; a mindset that reflects how he approaches both hockey and life.
As he prepares to join Illinois State, Massaro says he is especially looking forward to attending football games, reconnecting with friends, and becoming part of the campus community.
Supported by his older brother Mike, younger sister Santina, and the rest of his family, Massaro now heads to ISU excited for the opportunities ahead both on and off the ice.