Today, norfolkadmirals.com sits down with one of the newest Admirals: Pete Zingoni. The name Zingoni may ring a bell to Admirals fans. He has been a frequent visitor to Scope over the last two years – as a member of the Philadelphia Phantoms. Zingoni played for the Phantoms in 2006-07 and 2007-08, leading the team in goals in 2006-07. Last season, Zingoni posted career highs in games played (66), goals (20), assists (18) and points (38). The Admirals signed Zingoni to an AHL Standard Player’s Contract on July 28.
A native of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Zingoni will enter his fifth full season of professional hockey this season after stints with the Phantoms, Trenton Titans (ECHL), Syracuse Crunch (AHL), and in Europe with TPS Turku (Finland), Pelicans (Finland) and Essen (Germany). Zingoni spent his collegiate career at Providence College, totaling 34 goals and 81 points in 127 games over four seasons.
1) How did you first start playing hockey? I actually first started playing hockey when I was about 3 years old; I started skating. My aunt was actually dating a hockey player at Fairfield University at the time and we lived a block away from the arena and we used to go and watch him play. He actually took me skating and I fell in love with it and I guess the rest is history.
2) Did you set any personal goals for this season? If yes, what are they? First and foremost we want to be on a winning team. The first goal is to have a good regular season, then make the playoffs and go as deep as we can and hopefully win the Calder Cup Championship.
Individually, I have some personal goals; nothing really too specific. Just play good two-way hockey, put up some points and do whatever I can to help the team win.
3) Who has been the greatest influence on your career? The greatest influence I would say my parents. My parents have been a combination with all of the support and all the time they’ve taken away from their lives. Now that I’ve gotten older, I kind of look back and reflect and I would say they’ve been more of an influence as I’ve gotten older. I’ve realized what they’ve done for me throughout my career; when I was younger and all the way up until today. I would say they influence me to do my best. I want to make them proud and do whatever I can for them.
4) After playing against the Admirals the past two seasons, how does it feel to put on an Admirals jersey? It’s definitely different anytime you go to a team when you’ve played against them. It’s a different kind of feeling, especially picturing yourself last season on the other side of the locker room and looking down here. I never thought I would be here in a year. It’s good; everyone in the organization seems great and they are treating us very well. The coaching staff has been great. We have a great group of guys and I’m excited to be an Admiral.
5) What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? Nothing out of the ordinary; I can play the guitar. I’m not very good though.
Favorites: Favorite Food: Lasagna Favorite Color: Blue Favorite TV Show: Entourage Favorite Actor: Will Ferrell Favorite Actress: Jennifer Aniston Favorite CD: Weezer- The Blue Album Favorite Hockey Movie: Slap Shot Favorite City to Play in: Norfolk Favorite Sport to watch on TV besides hockey: Soccer, especially European and I like Manchester United
Pick One: Batman or Superman: Superman Rock or Rap: Rock Seafood or Steak: Steak Truck/SUV or Sports Car: Truck Cat or Dog: Dog Big Hit or Big Goal: Big Goal
How did you first start playing hockey?
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