Rapuzzi transitions to pro game

For most aspiring young hockey players, the dream is to play professional hockey. While most young players will never fully realize this dream, many of the rookies in the ECHL this year are just now fulfilling these aspirations. For the Steelheads, one of these rookies is William Rapuzzi."When you're little, you dream about playing professional hockey," Rapuzzi said. "It's nice to finally get here and make a job out of what you love."Rapuzzi played his college hockey at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO. He accumulated 35 total points during his senior season with 15 coming from goals and 20 coming from assists. He also earned a spot on the WCHA All-Academic team during the 2012-13 season.Now in Boise, Rapuzzi and his well-rounded background look to make a splash in the world of professional hockey. Fortunately for Rapuzzi, he won't be the lone new kid on the block for the Steelheads. "We've got quite a few rookies, but we also have a lot of veterans," Rapuzzi explained. "Being a rookie, I am looking to the older guys to see how they handle themselves, try to pick their brains whenever I can."This upcoming season, head coach Brad Ralph will undoubtedly be doing everything he can to make the team's practices as competitive as possible. Naturally, every player wants to use their opportunity on the ice to show how they can help the Steelheads win.Underlying it all, however, is a sort of brotherhood amongst the team that Rapuzzi finds comfort in."Everyone looks after each other, that is what is great about hockey," Rapuzzi noted. "The other guys will look after you and help you out, especially when you're not sure about things."With the preseason under its belt, the team continues to shift the focus to the regular season. Having faced the Utah Grizzlies in two preseason contests already, the two teams should be more than familiar with one another when they square off in Utah on Friday, October 18, to open the regular season.(Story contributed by Peter Clark)