ACHA D1 Hockey Sensation, Salvatore DiDomenico, is unlike any other as he discusses his skating background, his inspiration, and everything in between. 

If you can, take a moment and picture a young kid around Christmas time who had just dumped water on his porch to create a makeshift ice-rink. He's wearing Spider-Man roller skates with no socks on, his mother's decorations are all around him, with a wooden stick firmly in his grasp. He's wide-eyed as his puck slides slightly around the porch and as his obsession takes full form. 

That was just the beginning for star-skater Salvatore DiDomenico. As a child, he grew up watching hockey as his parents both had an interest in the game. He would admire Sydney Crosby on the television and had a desire to be just like him. However, his journey with ice hockey started later than most. He began roller hockey around the age of 7 and has expressed that he had a bit of a bumpy start since most kids had already been playing for years at that point. His plan was to transition to ice, but he ended up sticking with roller a little longer than expected.

"Finally, one day I just said I wanted to do ice hockey and my parents got me signed up as soon as I said that." DiDomenico explains with a laugh. "My dad came home with some of the worst gear I've ever seen. He had these old skates and got them from his friend, who played hockey and they were hand-me-downs. But I'll never forget how excited I was."

The Sport Management Major from Butler PA, home of Jeep Fest and Foodie Friday, originally started at Davenport University before transferring to RMU. And he explains it's been one of his best decisions yet. 
"So far, it's been really good. Coming here, I was a little on the nervous end. The new environment is very different, but I found my group." DiDomenico says. "The people in my suite took me in and showed me everything…RMU made it a good process."

Though, it's no surprise he's managed to handle this big change with a positive outlook. The down-to-earth 19-year-old is no stranger to struggle and finding a way to overcome. Through his career, he has had many ups and downs, whether that is a mental or physical challenge. 
"[First starting out] I was horrific. I couldn't stop, I couldn't turn. It was discouraging at first." DiDomenico explains, "But what made it easy was that I wanted to do it so bad. I was more excited to be there and play than to be the best person on the ice." 

So it's no surprise that after years of training and playing through The Armstrong Arrows, Steel City Renegades, and moving to Connecticut his Senior Year of High School that he's able to adapt. Because simply learning the tricks of the trade wasn't the only struggle he faced; as he got older, new ones arose. 

"A major struggle for me was getting over that hump when it came to the political side of hockey where it feels like the odds are stacked against you for tryouts." DiDomenico says, "But nothing was going to stop me…I would just remember what my mom said; if you're good enough, they'll find you." And he eventually made the top team within the Armstrong Arrows, which furthered his path.

He credits his success to his parents, expressing several times how thankful he is to have them in his corner. He explains that getting into hockey is expensive and time consuming, but his parents were there every step of the way.
"The support of my parents is unreal." DiDomenico says with a small smile, "They're very hard nosed, not afraid to give opinions, but their support is second to none. I wouldn't be the person or player I am without them."

One moment in particular sticks out to him in regard to the level of support his family provides. He was living in Connecticut, thousands of miles away from home, preparing for his home opener when one of the biggest surprises of his life occurred.  
"I pulled into my complex and they were all standing there outside the car; my mom, brother, grandma…it made being up there easier." 

DiDomenico has learned a lot through hockey; how to reach certain goals, appreciate the little things, and to work hard. But the biggest thing it has taught him is the fact that if you put in the effort, you can do anything.
"If you set your mind to something, you can do it." DiDomenico says, "It's cheesy, but growing up and playing the sport, you start to learn that when you put the effort in and keep pushing no matter what, nothing can stop you."

The 19-year-old has phenomenal talent, no doubt. A little kid who would play on the back porch with his brother, or beg his dad to play NHL Slapshot after dinner, worked hard and has turned into a sensational D1 Hockey Player. He hopes to see everyone at a game and leaves you with this:
"I want to give a special thank you to my family, especially my parents and brother. They've been monumental in my development as a player and person. And advice I have is to never let anyone stop you from doing what you want to do…it's crazy how fast things go by and how you can take them for granted. But try to make the best out of any situation you can; life is hard, but finding the silver lining is important."