Clarkson Golden Knights forward Anthony Romano has gotten off to an excellent start to the 2020-21 season. With three goals and three assists in six games played, he is currently second on the team in scoring.

Transitioning From Sioux Falls to Potsdam

Romano, like many other players in the NCAA, started out competing at the junior level. He spent a year playing for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he was able to raise the Clark Cup after a successful 47-point campaign.

The transition from junior hockey to the collegiate game is something that takes some getting used to, but Romano is adjusting.

“The difference between college hockey and the USHL was the strength factor,” Romano said. “Guys are older, guys are stronger and more experienced. It just brings a whole new factor to the game that you didn’t even know was there.”

Training is key in order to keep up with the advanced competition of Division I college hockey. In addition to acclimating himself to a more strenuous style of play, the COVID-19 pandemic barred Romano from normal workouts during the offseason. In order to stay in shape for the upcoming season, Romano had to spend a lot of time preparing from home.

“I was fortunate enough to have a gym back home and a net in my garage,” Romano said. “I was able to train in the offseason when things weren’t available, which really benefitted me to having a good start this year.”

Chemistry Leads to Scoring

With points in four of his first six games, Romano’s home gym setup seems to have gotten him ready for a tough ECAC season. He scored the eventual game-winner in Clarkson’s season opener against Colgate and put two more in the back of the net in their next matchup against RIT.

Playing on the first line with seniors Zach Tsekos and Grant Cooper, Romano understands that his early season success is owed in part to his teammates. Having chemistry with his line mates takes a lot of weight off any player’s shoulders.

“It’s easier to take a hit for the guy sitting next to you and keep working hard every shift, because you know he’s gonna do the same thing for you,” Romano said.

A Winning Tradition

Romano was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes and he talked with about half the teams in the NHL prior to his selection. Since the Draft, Romano has attended Coyotes development camps playing alongside top prospects like Barrett Hayton and Victor Soderstrom. For now, Romano hopes to build upon his hot start and keep the Clarkson in the national championship conversation.

The Golden Knights have been placed inside the top-10 since the beginning of the season, currently sitting at number eight in the USCHO’s latest poll. In fact, Clarkson has been ranked since November 26, 2018, second behind Quinnipiac for the longest streak in the ECAC.

“I think we deserve the recognition we’re getting, “Romano said. “Our players are all buying in, and our coaching staff does a great job of getting all the players to feel like they’re involved.”

Nothing Comes Easy For Anthony Romano and Clarkson

Although Clarkson has enjoyed consistent placement within the top-20, victories do not magically appear on the scoreboard. Hard work is needed to keep up with recent success.

“Ranking is just a number at the end of the day,” Romano said. “You can have all the talent in the world. If you’re not willing to outwork them, you’re not gonna beat them.”

Holding Down the Fort

With a home record of 28-8-1 in their previous two seasons, Clarkson’s fanbase has given them a large momentum boost. According to USCHO.com, in the 2019-20 season Cheel Arena averaged 94% capacity on game days, the 7th highest out of all Division I teams.

Unfortunately, the Golden Knights will have to play the duration of the 2020-21 season in front of an empty Cheel Arena due to COVID-19 protocol.

“It’s always packed,” Romano said. “I feel like we average around 3,000 fans a game when we can only seat around 3,200. It’s a great experience playing in front of your fellow students. Playing for your university and representing something is definitely an honor.”

Despite the obstacles being thrown their way, Anthony Romano and Clarkson are still in a position to continue their success this season.

John Smark