Senior Goalie Rico DiMatteo Transfers to UNH

Rico DiMatteo (G) 2024 UNH Transfer

"He (DiMatteo) plays a calm, positional game, but possesses the athleticism and skating ability to make the tough lateral saves, and is an efficient puck-handler." Neutral Zone, December, 2020

Rico DiMatteo Goalie, 6'3", 170 lbs. Catches Left Hometown: Brasher Falls, New York DOB: January 23, 2001; 23 years, 6 months Neutral Zone Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars 2023-24 Team: Long Island University (Independent) Committed to UNH on June 22, 2024 at Age 23 years, 5 months.

July 2021 TV Interview & Video Highlights

In the 2020-21 season Rico DiMatteo joined the Northern Michigan Wildcats midyear. He quickly became the #1 goalie, compliled a 7-6-1 record (2.84 GAA, .909 Save%), and lead NMU to the WCHA championship game. He was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team. In July 2021, WBUP-TV ABC10 interviewed DiMatteo and showed some of his highlight saves.

Interview

I had an opportunity to interview Rico DiMatteo, via email, about his hockey career and commitment to UNH:

Mike Lowry: Congratulations on your commitment to play for the University of New Hampshire. Since March 31st, 19 senior goalies have entered the transfer portal and committed to a new school. Why did you consider transferring from Long Island University?

Rico DiMatteo: I felt as though it was the best decision for my hockey career to leave LIU. I am confident in my process right now and feel that UNH will be a greater challenge for me as a person and hockey player.

Mike Lowry: How did you become interested in UNH? What are the main reasons you chose UNH?

Rico DiMatteo: I originally became familiar with UNH in Juniors where the coaches reached out to me. When they reached out this time there was a sense of familiarity and comfort. The process felt very smooth.

Lowry: When you renewed the recruiting process, what college programs, other than UNH, did you consider? Which ones made an offer to you?

DiMatteo: I had no other offers at the Division 1 level when I committed to UNH.

Lowry: At this stage in your hockey development, what are the strengths of your game? What areas are you trying to improve?

DiMatteo: I feel I have mature positioning and make mature reads in the game. I can continue to become more dynamic.

Lowry: You experienced a hip injury a few years ago. Would you describe that ordeal, how it affected your development, and the current status?

DiMatteo: My hip surgeries were the hardest adversities of my life. I underestimated the work that had to be done to recover from that stress. It affected me 2 years after the operation.

I am now pain free and feel as though my game is in the best place it has been in three years. I feel as though I can prove once again what I am capable of at this level.

Lowry: You played 14 games in 2020-21 as a freshman for Northern Michigan and only 2 games during the 2022-23 season. What's your understanding on the number of years of NCAA playing eligibility still available to you?

DiMatteo: I have 1 year of eligibility left. There could be a case made for a medical exemption.

Lowry: Did you have an opportunity to watch the 2023-24 UNH team play? If so, how do you think you can help the team when you join it?

DiMatteo: I was not able to watch last year's team. I feel as though I can bring a sense of maturity and consistency to the team. If I am called upon I know that I would have done everything I could have to prepare.

Lowry: What coursework do you intend do pursue at UNH?

DiMatteo: I intend to finish my Psychology degree at UNH.

Neutral Zone Scouting Report

NAHL Goalie Report, December, 2020

"Another strong set of performances from Rico DiMatteo this weekend. The 6’3 native of Brasher Falls, NY, played on back-to-back nights December 17th and 18th, and despite losing both bouts was very strong between the pipes for Lone Star. He was named third star of the night on December 17th, making 29 saves on 31 shots, and made a total of 53 saves through both games."

"DiMatteo continues to be strong in net for Lone Star after making his debut last month. Through 7 games, he boasts a 1.68 GAA and .930 SV%, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. He plays a calm, positional game, but possesses the athleticism and skating ability to make the tough lateral saves, and is an efficient puck-handler. Heading into the break, DiMatteo is a no-brainer for D1 schools to be tracking down the stretch this season."

College & Junior Hockey Statistics

Player	Season	Team	League	GP	Win	Loss	Tie	GAA	SV%	SO
Rico DiMatteo (G)	2023-24	Long Island University	Ind.	11	3	4	0	2.98	.874	0
	2022-23	Northern Michigan University	WCHA	2	0	1	0	4.04	.868	0
	2021-22	Northern Michigan University	WCHA	22	13	8	1	3.48	.887	0
	2020-21	Northern Michigan University	WCHA	14	7	6	1	2.84	.909	1
		Lone Star Brahmas	NAHL	10	6	2	1	2.09	.916	0
	2019-20	Cornwall Colts	CCHL	55	17	32	1	3.15	.916	1