PHOTO courtesy icelevel.com

At the half-way point of the HEO Midget AAA season, many 2002 rookies have stood out, one of course being Rockland Nationals Midget AAA forward Rocco Testa-Basi. 

Playing for the top team in the league, surrounded by talent, Testa-Basi has still put himself in the spotlight time and time again.  His combination of work-ethic and natural skill make him dangerous every time he steps on the ice.  He simply makes those around him better by the amount space he opens up and the high-percentage offensive opportunities he creates.

Testa-Basi is tied for tops among 2002 skaters with 19 goals, while his 33 points place him 2nd among his age group and 3rd overall in the league.

The Ottawa, ON native was brought in as a Free Agent after spending last season with the ISS Kings Bantam AAA team in the United States.

What his Coach says:

Rocco is a very hard-working player who is a strong skater with an excellent shot. He puts in a lot of work on and off the ice to improve his game and is very competitive which I love. His work rate and determination, along with his high skill level should see him get selected in the first few rounds of the upcoming OHL Draft – Luc Chabot – Head Coach – Rockland Nationals Midget AAA

What the Scouts say:

A complete player who plays with tenacity in all zones and situations. Carries the puck with authority into dangerous areas. Tremendous finishing ability. He can do it all – Brent Craswell – TheScout.ca

Top 5 player in the league. Well above average skating. High-end hockey IQ on both offense and defense. Expect him to be selected in the early rounds of upcoming OHL Draft – Trevor Peters – Neutral Zone

High-end talent and motor. Good shot. Better as a shooter than a playmaker. Opens up room with his skating. Quick turns and uses edges well – Benjamin Gallant – International Scouting Services

Explosive skater with great speed. Feet are quick and always moving. Good one on one skill and can carry puck through neutral zone. Strong goal scoring ability – Levi Hill – International Scouting Services

One of the top offensive threats in league. Two-way game has improved greatly since beginning of season. Shows consistent effort on a shift-to-shift basis – Conor Mulligan – HockeyProspect.com

Player Profile

Name: Rocco Testa-Basi

Hometown: Ottawa, ON

Position: Forward

Height: 5-10

Weight: 165