SPOTLIGHT: Joseph Rupoli
Joseph Rupoli is a self-taught street hockey goalie turned defenceman. Joe would strap on the pads and hit the streets with his neighbours, which made his love for hockey truly flourish.
“My passion for the game started because of my neighbours. No one in my family played hockey,” said Joe. “I started off playing as a road-hockey goalie with a couple of my neighbours who were five years older than me. Eventually, I got the urge to sign up and get going. Now I love every part of it.”
Joe started skating when he was in grade one and played organized hockey starting in grade two. He hasn’t stopped since.
Fast-forward and Joe is now a defenceman on the East Avenue Blueshirts. Growing up, Joe had many coaches who were mentors for him, but one stands out in his mind—Joe Washkurak.
“Joe brought me in and showed me the ropes of junior hockey and is always in my corner,” said Rupoli. “He has taught me to take every opportunity and make the most of it. He would always say to focus on what you can control, not what you can’t. Throughout the whole process, he has helped me grow not only on the ice but off the ice too.”
Support is an essential component of anyone’s success, and Joe feels humbled by the amount he receives. Looking back, there is one moment, in particular, his support system came through.
“I got my wrist cut by a skate and severed an artery about two years ago. Someone came to hit me behind the net, I tried to block my face, but the skate came up and sliced my wrist,” said Joe. “There was a lot of blood, but I was pretty calm. I could move my fingers, so I knew I was going to be fine.”
Luckily, Joe’s parents made the trip to Buffalo for the game, so they were able to drive him across the border to the hospital in Oakville. Joe is pretty grateful they were there.
“I had to have emergency surgery to repair the artery. It was 70% severed. It didn’t even feel like it was that big of a cut,” said Joe as he showed the scar on his wrist. “Now, even if I am just doing skills, I put on wrist guards. It plays through my head sometimes.”
Joe ended up being out of the game for a month. During his time off, he found ways to keep positive and work his way back.
“The biggest thing for me was the process of getting back. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” said Joe. “I was down and out for a bit, but I think the hardest part was finding out I had to have surgery. At first, I thought they were just going to stitch me up. That was the moment it became real. My family was a major help.”
Joe’s wrist has healed, and he is looking forward to what Kitchener has in store for him. Being traded to the Rangers was a happy moment for the Oakville, ON native.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to play here. The coaching staff have been through the same things we go through. I couldn’t ask for a better situation,” said Joe. “It has been nice to get more ice time here because you know the coaches trust you. At the same time, I don’t want to be given ice time just to be given it. I want to earn every minute and keep working hard.”
