One on One with Rob Sirianni

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Rob Sirianni is starting to catch the eye of hockey experts. Sirianni, is still on of the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) leading scorers despite having not played in the league in seven weeks. Sirianni graduated from a small Mid-West college, Bemidji State in Minnesota. The forward found his scoring touch when playing with the Nailers, notching 17 goals and 16 assists in only 18 games. “I think that I am still ranked number one is shooting percentage” Sirianni explained. From Wheeling an AHL opportunity arose. The Binghamton Senators gave Sirianni a 25 game Professional Tryout (PTO). While in Binghamton, Sirianni only saw action in six games. From there, it was off to Philadelphia to play with the Flyers AHL affiliate, the Phantoms, participate in another 25 game PTO. Sirianni has been on the line with Andreas Nodl and Jared Ross. Nodl and Ross are two of the Phiaelphia Flyers better prospects. “I played against Jared Ross in the past, so I knew what to expect with him” Sirianni stated.

But, Bemidji State? It turns out that the small college is steeped in hockey tradition. Despite having an alumni of hockey players that consists of slightly over 120 players, no less than three have played in the NHL. “Andrew Murray, he plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ryan Huddy (Charlie’s son) is working his way up the ranks.” Sirianni explained about his alma mater. Other Bemidji State alumni that have pulled on NHL sweaters include, Gary Sargent who played from 1975 till 1983 with the Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota North Stars. Former Philadelphia Flyer and Calgary Flame, Joel Otto is also an alumnus. When asked about playing in the big city, Sirianni was candid. “I like it here in Philadelphia, it’s a great environment. The fans are unbelievable. The organization has been really good to me, in fact, they are good to all the players” the youngster continued, “25 games, then they decide if they want to keep you or not, so, you can’t worry about it. I think that I am playing alright. The Flyers play across the parking lot and a lot is going on with injuries and call-ups, so you just try to do your best.” Speaking of injuries, Flyers forward, Danny Briere recently was sent to the Phantoms on a three game rehabiitation assignment. Apparently, the NHL star had a lasting impression on the future NHL star. “Danny Briere was unbelievable, just watching his work habits. He plays hard. He was only on the team a short time, but, he was yelling and cheering on the guys from the bench.” Sirianni commented. “It was an honor to play with him. He has a really good head on his shoulders hockey wise.” Will Sirianni stay with the Phantoms? If attitude and desire are the defining judge, Sirianni should be in the City of Brotherly Love for quite a while. With the upcoming NHL trade deadline, salary cap questions, and injuries, anything indeed can happen. Contact the author at Kevin.neibauer@prohockeynews.com