Rookie Zullo Makes an Impact Early

NORMAL, Ill. – With the mix of skating and skill, most serious hockey players must start at an early age to keep up with the pack. Illinois State University standout rookie Joey Zullo is no exception.

“I’ve played hockey my whole life,” said Zullo. “My dad played and my older brother played. I’ve been playing since I was literally able to walk”

Those early steps into hockey paved the way for future success. After playing in high school, the sport led him to junior hockey.

“The last two years I played junior hockey for the Chicago Cougars… I was able to live at home for those two years. It was just an extra two years to figure out what I wanted to do school-wise and still be able to play hockey, and (I knew) that I wanted to play college someday… Through that I got scouted by the D1 coach Chris Prewitt, and I signed my commitment in February of this year.”

Zullo is currently having a fantastic start to the season, as he is currently 5th on the team in points with 12, and third on the team in points per game with 0.86. 

“It feels good obviously to contribute to the team,” said Zullo. “As long as we’re winning that’s all I really care about, but obviously it’s nice to be able to put the puck in the net.”

Even talking about his accolades, Zullo still praised his teammates.

“I’ll give a little shoutout,” said Zullo. “When you’re playing with a linemate like Mike Sliwinski, who I’ve known my whole life, it’s pretty easy to get some points.”

Zullo is also a wizard in the shootout, as his 2 shootout-winning goals not only leads the team, but he is the lone player with any shootout-winning goals. 

Zullo and ISU D1 Hockey resumes play at home on November 16th against the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.