What are the chances for a kid growing up in California of playing in the National Hockey League? And he grows up to be just five feet, six inches tall, on top of that? Not many California-bred players are in the NHL, and not many as short as 5 feet, 6 inches. But Rocco Grimaldi, a Nashville Predator forward, is both.
Rocco was selected in the 2nd round (33rd overall) by the Florida Panthers in the 2011 NHL Draft. He played hockey at the University of North Dakota and was a member of the United States Junior National team when he was a teenager.
Overcoming Obstacles
After playing 4 years in the American Hockey League, he managed to find a regular role on the Nashville Predators in the 2018/2019 season. He had signed a free agent contract with the Preds in the summer of 2018. Since the middle of last season, Rocco has become a key member of Nashville’s team. He often plays center on his team’s 3rd or 4th line and has not only contributed defensively but has also scored several timely goals this year.
Because of his size, Rocco has had to fight hard for the success he is now enjoying in Pro Hockey. There were many times he wondered whether he was ever going to achieve his dream to play in the NHL. There were times he wanted to quit while playing 4 years in the minors. But with the support of his wife, Abigail, and his faith in the Lord, he kept persevering.
Rocco grew up in a Christian family. Both of his parents were police officers in California and both were faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Rocco accepted Christ as his Savior when he was four years old and was baptized at 7 years old. Rocco has been a faithful follower of Jesus for his entire life. His teammates respect him because he walks the talk. He is a gritty player who is genuinely a team player.
Rocco has the distinction of playing 2 professional games in the same day. When he was still in the Florida Panther system, he played a 10:30 morning game with the San Antonio Rampage. Several of the American Hockey League teams have school day games so kids can attend the game with their classmates. It’s a great way to promote the game in the different cities of the United States.
On one particular occasion, San Antonio’s General Manager came to Rocco between the 2nd and 3rd period and said that Florida needed a player for their night game. One of their players came down with an illness. So Rocco got out of his uniform, and caught the first flight to Los Angeles, where Florida was playing the Kings.
He arrived at the arena in LA a couple of hours before game time, and played his second game of the day. His parents and other family managed to make it to the game and witnessed his first game in the NHL.
Rocco’s Big Motivator
Rocco has overcome many challenges to realize his dream of playing in the NHL. The Lord has helped him on his entire journey. Rocco”s life verse is 1 Samuel 16:7. This verse occurs in the passage where Samuel goes to Jesse”s house to anoint a new king over Israel. Samuel is shown seven of Jesse”s sons, many who are impressive in height. But the Lord says to Samuel he hasn’t chosen any of them.
The Lord says to Samuel in verse 7: “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” The Lord finally has Samuel anoint Jesse’s youngest son, David, who is like a runt in comparison to his older and taller brothers. This verse has been a great motivation to Rocco, who is small in size, but great in heart.
Rocco knows that he is not just playing for himself. He wants to honor the Lord and point others to Him. And he wants to be a good example to other kids who may not be the biggest or brightest, but still have great dreams to impact the world for good. May the Lord continue to bless Rocco and use him for His glory.
QOTD: Are you still dreaming big dreams despite challenges and setbacks in your life?