The Lone Star Brahmas return ten skaters for the 2020-21 season, including Joey Baez, Cole Beilke, Luke Burke, Jack Collins, Andrew DeCarlo, Mitchell Digby, Stefan Miklakos, Malcolm Palmer, Dylan Smith and Joey Trazzera. Brahmas media spoke to each player to learn about the abrupt end to the 2019-20 year, off-season activities and what they are looking forward to for the upcoming NAHL season.
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS — Joey Trazzera knows what winning feels like. The defenseman contributed to a 2019 Fraser Cup championship title in 2019 with the NA3HL Texas Brahmas. But now, in his final year of junior hockey, the skater wants to succeed at the next level. After having an injury-riddled 2019-20 season, resulting in only playing 19 games for the Lone Star Brahmas, Trazzera is ready to turn the page and leave it all on the ice. Keep reading to hear from the Keller, Texas native and his plans for the season ahead.
Brahmas Media: How would you describe the 2019-20 season in your own experience?
Joey Trazzera: It was a rocky ride for me. I started off the season by getting an injury in preseason that set me back four to five months. I came back near the end of the season, played 19 or so games, and I felt great, and then the season got short because of COVID-19. That was disappointing.
BM: What was it like when you learned the season was canceled?
JT: It was weird. I didn’t think it would happen to us. I had heard about it on the news, but I didn’t think it would impact our season. And then it was over. We were going really good and then it was just a halt.
BM: How have you been staying in-shape and motivated during the longer off-season?
JT: I’ve been doing a lot of reading. I read a lot of mental toughness books to stay sharp. I work out here all the time, and luckily I’ve been able to stay skating and keep as fit as I can while everything has been on hold.
BM: What is one part of your game that you’re confident in and one part you’re looking forward to working on this season?
JT: My ability to stick up for players and not being one to shy away from guys who give our players a hard time is something I like to do during games. I want to be a player people look up to and one who takes care of his teammates. I’m looking forward to delving into my defensive game and protecting the net.
BM: What are you most excited for regarding this upcoming season?
JT: I am excited to see how this group of players grows as a team. I feel like we have a really strong core and I can’t wait to see how we come together.
Fast facts about Joey Trazzera:
Height: 6’2
Weight: 176
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
Hometown: Keller, Texas
Favorite–
Movie: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Ice cream flavor: Rocky road
Breakfast food: Waffles
Hockey player: Brian Leetch
Season: Summer
Dream job (besides hockey player): Cardiologist
Superpower of choice: Flying
Dream vacation destination: Hawaii
Hidden talent: Played the bassoon
Best thing about living in North Richland Hills/playing at NYTEX: The fanbase.
Sydney Johnson is a media and content intern with the Lone Star Brahmas.