Corey Trivino

Islanders prospect Corey Trivino breaks through at the right time for Boston University
by Elliot Olshansky, NY Daily News, December 12, 2008

Given that Corey Trivino had to wait this long for his first collegiate goal, it's a good thing he made it memorable.

A scant 1:59 into the first period of Boston University's game at defending national champion Boston College, Trivino battled to collect the rebound off a Matt Gilroy shot and rifled a slap shot past BC goaltender John Muse, putting the Terriers on the board and giving them a lead they would not relinquish in a 3-1 win over their bitter rivals, a win that moved BU up to No. 4 in this week's USCHO.com/CBS College Sports XXL national rankings.

"Before the game started, I was all riled up, ready to go," Trivino said. "On my first shift, I was just trying to move my feet, getting a passing angle, and I got lucky when it hit my stick. It was kind of a broke-up play. A couple of guys tried to whack the puck, and then the puck was stuck in between a guy's feet, so I just pulled it and shot it and it went in."

The breakthrough moment in the battle of Commonwealth Avenue - the college hockey equivalent of Tobacco Road - was a big boost in what's been, at times, a frustrating season for the Toronto native. A second-round draft pick (36th overall) of the Islanders this past June out of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League, Trivino has seen action in just eight of BU's 15 games, as the adjustment to college hockey has been difficult, especially after a knee injury against New Hampshire sidelined him for more than a month.

"That really set him back as far as being comfortable with what the systems are, being comfortable with the pace of the game," said Terriers head coach Jack Parker. "It's different than junior hockey, that's for sure. Each and every game, he's gotten better and better, but he still hasn't gotten to the point where he's so comfortable that he can just go in and take care of business. He's a very, very talented center iceman, but he hasn't given himself a chance to do that just yet, because he's so concerned about 'my positioning, my forechecking,' what the system is."

Aside from the knee issues and learning the system at BU, Trivino also has yet to grow into his 6-1 frame. Trivino came into preseason workouts weighing 170 pounds, and his physical strength was thought to be a concern heading into the draft. It also doesn't help him in the collegiate ranks, where players routinely spend a year or two after high school in the junior ranks before enrolling in college.

"He's such a talented kid," Parker said. "He needs to be able to hold people off and be stronger on his skates."

That said, Trivino is certainly in the right place to add muscle to his body and his game. BU trainer Mike Boyle is one of the foremost experts on hockey conditioning, and Terrier alumni like Rangers captain Chris Drury and Devils forward Mike Pandolfo swear by him.

"Mike Boyle is the best at doing what he does," Trivino said. "He was a big factor in why I came to BU."

So far, the progress has been noticeable. Trivino has already added more than 10 pounds to his preseason weight, and has taken advantage of his knee injury to focus his efforts with Boyle in the weight room.

"When I got injured," Trivino said, "I was able to work out almost every day, so in a way, it was kind of good for my situation."

What's more, according to Parker, Trivino's starting point was better than advertised.

"You can see major changes in his body already," Parker said, "but he's surprised me with how strong he is on his skates and how good he is defensively. He's not getting bounced off the puck; he's bouncing people off of pucks."

For Trivino, of course, the true symbol of his progress was the goal. While he hadn't anticipated taking two months to break through and get on the scoresheet, he'll certainly take a go-ahead goal against his team's top rival for his first collegiate tally, especially since it was the first weekend his parents came down from Toronto to see him play for the Terriers.

"I didn't think it was going to be so far down the season, games-wise," Trivino said of his first college goal. "You can't do anything about being injured. You just have to stay positive and look forward and keep working hard. To get the goal against BC, it couldn't be any better."

That might not sit so well with Islanders coach Scott Gordon - a former Boston College goaltender - but he certainly wouldn't mind if it's a harbinger of things to come when Trivino makes his move into the pros.

A first career NHL goal in a win over the Rangers? It could happen, but in the meantime, Parker won't mind having him around in Boston.

"He's going to score a lot of goals for us," Parker said.

That was very fine Vino served up in Stouffville
by Jim Mason, yorkregion.com, August 9, 2008

You’ll be able to say you saw him back when.

If you attended a Stouffville Spirit game during the last two seasons, that is.

He is Corey Trivino, unquestionably the greatest player in the 13 years of the Jr. A hockey franchise.

There were Dan McWhinney’s unforgettable playoff heroics of the 2006 championships and the breakout years of Kevin Jarman and Mike Sullivan, both NHL draft picks themselves.

But, it’s the kid with a golf legend’s misspelled name and soccer in his pedigree who has the best chance of playing in the big leagues.

He is that good.

Good enough to be an early second-round pick in this year’s NHL draft by the New York Islanders. He’ll be at the Isles camp this fall after turning heads at a prospects camp.

He may make the national junior team this December, after helping Canada win gold at the under-18 championships last spring. He is already at Boston University, where he will study and play for the Terriers.

No one out of Spiritland has all of this on their resume, especially at age 18.

Just another kid living the Canadian dream, on the precipice of maybe just having it all, you say?

What makes this story even better is that Vino, as his teammates call him, is a truly good guy.

From Spirit ownership to the water boy, they’ll all tell you the same thing: wonderful person.

There’s no ego to check at the door. No concern over individual stats.

Just a kid who survived a family breakup, pressure to play in the Ontario Hockey League, two years of commuting from Etobicoke to the Stouffville Arena and everything else teen life throws at us.

Good luck, Corey. You deserve all you’ll get from life.

Jim Mason is editor of The Sun-Tribune and a former Spirit director.

Trivino invited to national junior camp
by Mike Hayakawa, yorkregion.com, June 28, 2008

Former Stouffville Spirit forward Corey Trivino is one of 45 players invited by Hockey Canada to attend the national junior team development camp in Ottawa July 25 to 29.

A second-round pick by the New York Islanders at last weekend’s NHL draft in Ottawa, Trivino was one of 24 forwards named.

The team development camp is the first step in a process Hockey Canada follows to name Canada’s National Junior Team roster in December. Following the July camp, Hockey Canada will continue to monitor and evaluate these players and other eligible players in the CHL, as well as in the junior and college ranks in Canada and the U.S.A.

A member of Team Canada that won gold in the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Championships in Russia, Trivino will be attending Boston University this fall on a hockey scholarship.

A final selection camp will be held in December from which  22 players will be named to represent Canada at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa.

BU Media Guide

BEFORE BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Played two seasons with the Stouffville Spirit of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League ... Posted 91 points (24g, 67a) in 54 games in 2007-08 ... OPJHL Co-Rookie of the Year in 2006-07 after totaling 65 points (25g, 40a) ... Named Ontario Hockey Association's top prospect for 2008 ... Played with the Ontario U-17 team before being lone Junior A player selected to the Canadian squad for the 2008 World U-18 Championships ... Tallied seven points (4g, 3a) at World U-18s, including a hat trick and an assist in a 4-1 win over Denmark ... Selected to Canada East squad for 2008 World Jr. A Hockey Challenge.

PERSONAL
Son of Debby Avery and Hugo Trivino ... Enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences ... Born on Jan. 12, 1990 ... Drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round, 36th overall, of the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

	Isles Select C Corey Trivino 36th Overall
	June 20, 2008:  C Corey Trivino Born: Dec 1, 1990, Toronto, Ont. 2007-08: Stoufville Jr. A Shoots: Left ISS:  26th overall CSB: Ranking 145th Final

From THN:

Another prospect from the Ontario Jr. A ranks, Trivino has committed to Boston University.

A far better playmaker than goal-scorer, his skills with the puck are something to behold. But Trivino has some filling-out to do.

There is no doubt he is highly skilled and could be a steal depending on how well he develops with the Terriers. Trivino could be a three- or four-year player in the college ranks and that will give him plenty of time for his all-round game to take shape and mature.

"He could be a home-run guy," a scout said. "There isn't a whole lot of difference between him and (Zac) Dalpe."

Trivino also possesses good foot speed and an ability to make pinpoint passes. His puckhandling ability makes him a threat off the rush and he's crafty around the net.

"He's pretty weak physically," another scout cautioned.

CSS:

"Corey has the ability to see the ice well and to move the puck. He needs to get stronger – he's willing to battle, but isn't always winning the puck. He's got a good goal-scoring touch and he's good on faceoffs with good skating ability, not necessarily high-end skating, but good. Is considered an all-around pure athlete as he was offered to play professional rugby in Europe."

ISS:

Draft Notes: Trivino flew under the radar a bit despite coming from the hockey scouting hotbed of Ontario. That's because he decided to maintain his collegiate eligibility by avoiding playing in Major Junior. Trivino played Tier II hockey in the Ontario Provincial League, but also got a few chances to be seen on the international stage – first at last Fall's Junior A Challenge, and then again in April at the world under-18 championships in Russia. Each time he showed the ability to elevate his game against top caliber international competition. His forte is scoring goals and he's very dangerous from the circles in.

McKeen's

Corey Trivino (2008), C, Stouffville, Committed to Boston University. Trivino led the team in points in the postseason, as he took his game to another level .. he has been a member of every International team he went to training camp for, including the Under 17 team and the World Junior A Challenge .. an offensive-minded centre whose skill marries well with his feet .. he does everything in mach speed, as his hands and feet work in unison with one another .. he can control the pace of the game when he enters the offensive zone, as he shrewdly weaves his way in and out of scoring areas .. his passing skills are superior to anyone in the OPJHL .. his ability to make plays in traffic and find the open man is awe inspiring .. he literally dances around the opposition and is a wizard with the puck .. goes to the net with his stick down, always prepared .. showed more attention to detail away from the puck in the playoffs ..he engaged in the corners and behind the net for the puck and is a gifted soccer player, as he often used his feet to alleviate pressure .. his forte is creating offence, however he needs to shoot more .. he is tricky to get a read on but has developed more of a reputation as a passer .. has all the tools to be a player, however his weight is a serious concern .. while it is not inconceivable for him to add some weight, some NHL teams might be scared off, as many prospects weigh more than his listed 160 pounds .. because of his slender frame, he does get pushed around in the slot but to his defense, he comes back, often eluding coverage much like Mike Bossy did in his NHL career .. given his gifted offensive imagination and skills, Trivino should see himself land in the bottom half of the first round, as his game is a mirror image to that of Mike Ribeiro.

The Montreal Canadiens were rumoured to be taking Corey Trivino in the second round of the 2008 NHL draft.

They didn't have a chance.

The New York Islanders snapped up the nifty Stouffville Spirit forward with the sixth pick of Round 2, 36th overall and 20 spots ahead of the Habs, Saturday morning in Ottawa.

"You've dreamed this will happen all your life," Trivino said from a family celebration Saturday afternoon. "Then, when it happens, you don't know what to think. You're just in the moment.

"It's a lot like prom. You're congratulating friends and then someone else you know gets drafted and you're with them."

Trivino, an Etobicoke resident who will play at Boston University this fall, starred for Canada in its gold medal win at the world under-18 tourney in Russia this year.

Trivino plans "to get bigger and stronger at BU .... and join the Islanders when I'm ready."

It's a huge week in his life. He flies to Calgary Sunday where the under 18 team will be honoured for winning gold. On Wednesday, he graduates from his Toronto high school.

He was the the second tier 2 Jr. A player taken in the draft, and the fifth player out of York Region selected.

24 hours until draft day, NHL prospect getting nervous
Montreal Canadiens showing interest in
by Mike Hayakawa, yorkregion.com, June 19, 2008

Corey Trivino played hockey as a youngster just because he enjoyed the game.

Back then, he recalled, there were no grand visions of being drafted by a National Hockey League club.

But with this year’s NHL Entry Draft set to begin tomorrow in Ottawa, the 18-year-old Stouffville Spirit forward is on the verge of being called to the podium by an NHL club.

Entering this year’s draft, Trivino, who will attend Boston University this fall on a hockey scholarship, was ranked as the 49th best North American skater by the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau.

“I never thought about being drafted when I was a kid. I played hockey because I loved it. It wasn’t until just a few years ago (as a minor bantam with the Toronto Marlies) when I started thinking about it,” Trivino said.

“But the draft is pretty exciting and I’m a little nervous about it.”

Bolstering Trivino’s stock were some impressive numbers and awards he earned this past Provincial Jr. A Hockey League season, his second as a member of the Spirit.

During the regular season, Trivino was the club’s second-leading scorer with 19 goals and 50 assists. He also led the club in postseason scoring with five goals and 17 assists in 15 contests.

When Trivino wasn’t playing for the Spirit, he was a member of  the Canada East team that won the silver medal at the World Junior A Challenge in British Columbia.

As well, he was one of the youngest players and lone Jr. A player to on Canada’s under-18 team that won the gold medal at the International Ice Hockey Federation Championships in Russia.

Just recently, he received the Ontario Hockey Association’s B.J. Monro Memorial Trophy that’s given to the top OHA prospect who could be taken in the upcoming NHL entry draft.

In the days leading up to the draft Trivino along with other top prospects expected to be drafted took part in the NHL Combine in Toronto.

Undergoing a series of physical tests and interviews with 26 NHL clubs, Trivino said it went as well as it could.

“The physical testing was hard. At times you felt like a guinea pig with people watching you. It was nerve-wracking,” he said.

As for the interviews, he noted teams tended to ask generic questions.

“The odd time some questions were kind of weird. But I think the interviews were done so that the teams could get to know you better,” he said.

“Overall though, the combine was interesting and I think it went well.”

In addition to the combine, Trivino said he and other potential draft picks went to Montreal and had further physical evaluations and interviews with the Canadiens.

As for the upcoming draft, Trivino said he will have close to 10 family members join him in what he hopes will be a memorable day.

“You only get drafted once. This is like a dream come true. I’m sure it’ll be a moment to remember. Whatever happens, happens. I just want to live the moment,” he said.

A teammate, James McIntosh, is also ranked. See Page 3 for more on the Stouffville players in the draft.

Only two Spirit players, Kevin Jarman (Columbus) and Mike Sullivan (Los Angeles), have been drafted in the 13-year history of the Jr. A team, both in 2003. Both played their first season of pro hockey last year after four years of NCAA hockey.

Spirit rookie Ethan Werek is highly touted for next year’s draft. The Stouffville-area resident will be in Ottawa for this weekend’s draft.

Spirit graduate earns top prospect prize
by Mike Hayakawa, yorkregion.com, June 7, 2008

Stouffville Spirit forward Corey Trivino netted a big-time honour from the Ontario Hockey Association Friday.

He  was the recipient of the B.J. Munro Trophy at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

The trophy is given to the top prospect in the OHA, said Brent Ladds, OHA president.

The 18-year-old Toronto native is ranked as the 49th North American skater by the Central Scouting Bureau entering this year’s NHL entry draft in Ottawa June 20 to 21.

Trivino had 19 goals and 50 assists in 39 regular season games this past season and five goals and 17 assists in the postseason.

This past season, he was also the lone Jr. A player on Team Canada that won the gold medal at the International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Championships in Russia.

Trivino, who played two years with the Spirit, heads to Boston University this fall on a hockey scholarship.

He was caught off guard when he was informed of the honour two weeks ago by Mr. Ladds.

“It’s amazing. There’s a lot of good players in the league and it’s a privilege to receive this award,” he said.

Trivino still glowing over gold medal at worlds
by Mike Hayakawa, yorkregion.com, May 24, 2008

Corey Trivino is back home, playing soccer for his Toronto high school and wrapping up his Grade 12 academics.

But, you can probably still see the smile on his face.

Whenever Trivino watched the World Junior hockey championships or the Winter Olympics on TV, he paid close attention to the faces of the Canadian players.

Especially if they had just won gold medals and were singing the national anthem.

Trivino wondered what it would feel like to be in their skates.

He got that chance at the International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 World Championships in Kazan, Russia this spring. The second-year Stouffville Spirit forward was on the Canadian squad that trounced Russia 8-0 in the gold-medal final.

Trivino scored the game’s second goal while playing on a line with Maxime Sauve and Matthew Duchene that was part of a five-goal outburst propelling Team Canada to a commanding 5-0 lead through 20 minutes.

“It was simply an amazing feeling,” Trivino said. “Knowing with one minute left in the game, we knew we were going to win. We went into the final as underdogs and we accomplished something by winning the gold medal.

“I always wanted to be a part of be a part of singing O Canada after winning a gold medal. To experience it is quite something.”

Pat Quinn fan

With four goals and three assists in seven tournament games, he was fifth on Team Canada’s scoring list, Trivino felt the key to their success stemmed from a couple of factors.

Among them, he said, was the team’s ability to function as a cohesive unit in rather quick fashion, since the players hailed from junior leagues across Canada. Trivino was the lone tier two junior A player to make the roster.

Despite the cross section of talent, Trivino knew a number of the players having played with or against them in tournaments in minor hockey. In fact, some of the players did not even know Trivino played tier two junior A hockey until the tournament.

“I knew Cody (Hodgson, forward), Matt Duchene, Chris Carozzi (goalie), Greg Nemisz (forward), so it wasn’t like I was a stranger. We jelled as a team quickly and we just knew we were on the same team going for the same team goal,” Trivino said.

Trivino sings the praises of Team Canada head coach Pat Quinn, especially with the game plan he formulated entering the final game against Russia.

Earlier in the tournament, Russia handed Team Canada its lone setback of the tournament, a 4-2 decision April 16.

“He told us we had to clog up the middle and play strong defence first,” Trivino said. “Our motto was ‘team first’.”

In that final game, Trivino said the key was for Team Canada to get off to a quick start to get the crowd out of the game.

“We went in knowing Russia would come out strong. They scored the first goal against us when we met them the first time. So we tried to get that first goal and when we got off to a quick start, the goals just seemed to come one after another,” Trivino said.

While winning the tournament represents the highlight to Trivino’s blossoming on-ice career thus far, he also received an education during his first-ever visit to Russia.

During what downtime Team Canada had, Trivino said they did plenty of sightseeing and saw how the other half of the world lives.

“It was great. We got to see places like the Kremlin and we saw poverty. The people in Russia have a different lifestyle than what we have,” he said.

NHL interviews

While winning the gold medal was a feat he won’t soon forget, Trivino has little time to dwell on it as he’s  preparing for the June 20 NHL draft.

The Grade 12 Michael Power-St. Joseph Secondary School student has had interviews with NHL clubs that might draft him.

As well, he had to prepare himself for the NHL combine at Toronto hotel. Top prospects are tested for the draft.

“I try not to think about the upcoming draft,” said Trivino. “It’s really out of your hands as to who might draft you. I just want to have a good showing at the combine and see what happens from there.”

He knows for certain he’ll be playing on scholarship at Boston University starting in September.

Trivino golden at worlds
yorkregion.com, April 24, 2008

Just call Corey Trivino a world champion.

The 18-year-old Stouffville Spirit forward laid claim to that honour yesterday after helping Team Canada claim the gold medal at Under-18 World Championships that culminated with a resounding 8-0 win over the hosts in Kazan, Russia.

Trivino, who was the lone Tier 2 Junior A player to earn a berth on the 22-member roster, scored the game’s second goal in the first period. That period saw Team Canada jump out to a 5-0 lead.

The gold medal was Canada’s first since the 2003 championships and second since making its debut in the tournament in 2002.

Trivino is expected to be a high selection in the National Hockey League draft. He compiling 19 goals and 50 assists in 39 regular season games and led the Spirit in playoff scoring with five goals and 17 assists in 15 games.

He is scheduled to enroll at Boston University this fall on a hockey scholarship.

Trivino Takes Down Danes by Himself
Canwest News Service, April 18, 2008

Corey Trivino, of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League's Stouffville Spirit, was a one-man wrecking crew at the 2008 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday.

The Toronto native not only picked up a hat trick, he also assisted on the other goal as Canada dumped Denmark 4-1.

The win moves Canada to 2-0 and sets up today's battle for first place in Group A with last year's gold medalists from Russia. Canada 's roster includes Regina Pats forward Jordan Eberle and defenseman Colten Teubert.

"We came out today trying not to overlook these guys, especially after the big (9-2) win on Sunday against Germany," Trivino said. "We started slowly, but as the game progressed, we got to put some pucks in the net. My linemates were really good today, and they did most of the work. I was just there standing at the right place at the right time, and all I had to do was to put it in."

Trivino's linemates -- Boisbriand, Que.'s Maxime Sauve (of the Val-d'Or Foreurs) and Haliburton, Ont.'s Matt Duchene (Brampton Battalion) -- had three assists apiece.

Canada struck first, as a shot from the blue-line by Montreal's Marco Scandella (Val-d'Or Foreurs) eluded Danish netminder Nikolaj Norbak for a 1-0 lead, an advantage Canada took into the first intermission.

The Trivino-Sauve-Duchene line struck just three minutes into the second period as Trivino finished off a tic-tac-toe passing play for his first goal of the tournament and a 2-0 lead, and the same three players combined for another Trivino goal just five minutes later as the Canadians began to pull away.

Denmark got on the board late in the second period, taking advantage of a rare Canadian penalty -- Canada took just three minors, and has just eight minutes in penalties through two games -- to connect on the power play, and headed to the second intermission down by a pair.

The third period, however, was all Canada. The Canadians held a whopping 20-2 advantage in shots on goal in the final 20 minutes, but only Trivino's hat trick goal midway through the period got past the Danish goaltender.

Overall, Canada outshot the Danes 43-19, including 32-7 in the final two periods.

"Denmark was ready to play today, and they played hard; it was not an easy game for us," Canadian head coach Pat Quinn said following the win.

Stouffville's Trivino nets hat trick at worlds
Canada's only tier 2 player in on all goals in 4-1 win at under 18s
by Mike Hayakawa, yorkregion.com, April 15, 2008

Corey Trivino made a splash for Team Canada Tuesday at the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Under-18 Championships in Kazan, Russia.

The second-year Stouffville Spirit forward scored three goals and added an assist to propel Team Canada to a 4-1 win over Denmark. Canada is 2-0.

Trivino, an Etobicoke resident, collected an assist on Canada’s first goal by Marco Scandella in the first period.

In the second period, Trivino scored twice to pad the lead to 3-1 through 40 minutes before completing his hat trick in the final period.

Trivino, who will attend Boston University this fall, is expected to be picked in the first three rounds of June’s NHL draft. He is the only tier 2 Jr. A player on the Canadian roster.

Trivino’s NHL stock continues to rise
Spirit star only tier 2 player on national team
by Jim Mason, Whitchurch-Stouffville, April 4, 2008

Corey Trivino’s somewhat unconventional road to the NHL is right on track. The fast track.

The Stouffville Spirit forward is the only Tier 2 junior player on Canada’s under-18 team headed for the 2008 IIHF World Under-18 Championship April 13 to 23 in Kazan, Russia.

The other 21 players named this week are from teams in the Canadian Hockey League, which includes the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Trivino, a Toronto resident, will play at Boston University this fall after two years with the Spirit of the Provincial Jr. A Hockey League.

Wanting the United States college experience, he snubbed the OHL’s Barrie Colts, who drafted him in 2006, to play in Stouffville and sign with Boston.

Trivino is expected to be a first or second-round pick in June’s NHL draft in Ottawa.

“This is another chance for Corey to be noticed before the draft,” Spirit head coach Dave D’Ammizio said. “It can either help or hurt his ranking, depending on how he plays.”

Trivino had a busy week meeting with two NHL teams, practising and preparing for the trip. He’ll miss nearly three weeks of Grade 12 classes at Michael Power High School while in Russia. Teachers will e-mail him assignments.

Trivino helped Ontario win gold at the 2007 Canada Games, played in the World Junior A Challenge in Trail, B.C., last November and the national Jr. A prospects game in Manitoba in December.

The under-18 roster announced Wednesday is comprised of players born in 1990 or earlier whose teams are no longer in the playoffs.

Canada’s head coach is former Toronto Maple Leaf coach and general manager Pat Quinn.

“To get a call from Pat Quinn was something,” said Trivino a big Leaf fan. “You see him on TV and he’s just the same one-on-one. It will be an honour to play for him.

“I just want to do my best and show (the scouts) the kind of players I think I am.”

He was surprised to be the only Jr. A Tier 2 players picked.

“There are a lot of great players in our league, and the OHL, too,” he said. “But the 1990 age group is so strong everywhere. That’s why the draft is so deep this year.”

Al Murray, Hockey Canada’s head scout for men’s national teams, traveled across Canada evaluating and ranking players for the team. National team scouts saw Trivino at least six times this winter.

The players and staff gather in Toronto tomorrow and leave for Minsk, Belarus, Monday.

“We’re just thrilled to have a kid who came through our team and played in our town playing at this level,” Spirit co-owner Zeev Werek said. “It’s a great stepping stone to the NHL draft for him, and so many players have gone from the under 18 team the national junior team.

“And Corey is just a great, great kid. There isn’t a player on the Spirit who doesn’t love him. He is just so humble.”

Canada will play pre-tournament games against Belarus Thursday and Finland Friday in Minsk before opening the tourney against Germany April 13.

TSN will broadcast Canada’s final preliminary round game against Slovakia April 18, a quarterfinal game April 20, a semifinal on April 21 and the gold medal game April 23. The bronze medal game on April 23 will also be broadcast if Canada is in it.

The Corey Trivino file

• 18-year-old grew up in Toronto, in a soccer family. His parents are divorced, but live across the street from each other.
• Played minor hockey for the Toronto Marlies with the likes of Sam Gagner (Edmonton Oilers) and John Tavares (Oshawa Generals).
• Fell in love with Stouffville and the Spirit watching the Jr. A provincial playoffs in 2006.
• Will play for legendary coach Jack Parker at  Boston University starting this fall. (Spirit teammate Ethan Werek will follow in 2009).

NHL prospect loves Argentine soccer, playing net
10 minutes with Corey Trivino
by Jim Mason, yorkregion.com, January 25, 2008

Expect to hear Corey Trivino’s name called at the NHL draft in Ottawa this June.

And it may happen very early.

At 46th among North American skaters, the second-year forward with the Stouffville Spirit is the highest ranked Jr. A player in eastern Canada. He has 55 points in 31 games for the fifth-place Spirit.

Some NHL teams, which are sending scouts to the Stouffville Arena for Thursday night games, say they’ll take him in the first two rounds. (The Spirit plays a rare weekend home game against Seguin tonight at 7:30 p.m.)

His stock has risen since eye-opening performances at the World Jr. A Challenge in British Columbia and the national Jr. A prospects game in Manitoba late last year.

He’s a Grade 12 student with an 85-per-cent average who will attend Boston University on scholarship this fall.

The Etobicoke resident loves the game, but he’s not all about hockey and his decisions haven't always been the most conventional.

Nor is his home life or his favourite team, outside of the Spirit.

Q: When did you start playing?
Trivino: My mom put me in skating when I was around three years old. I cried my lights out when I was on the ice. I hated it. I just wanted my mom. The people there just hated me there. As soon as I started playing house league and started touching the puck, I started liking it. As soon as I scored my first goal I just fell in and love and wanted to score more, more and more.

Q: Your best hockey memory, so far?
Trivino: Playing with Sam Gagner (Edmonton Oilers) and John Tavares (Oshawa Generals) and going to the all Ontario championships in (Scotiabank Place) in Ottawa. Getting to meet Jason Spezza there ... was an exciting experience. The whole experience of hockey has made me a better person. You stay out of trouble and stay determined. You learn a lot of life lessons playing hockey. I’d like to thank my mom for putting me in it...

Q: You picked Stouffville, and later Boston University, over Barrie and the Ontario Hockey League. Why?
Trivino: I thought the NCAA was the best for me, especially when I saw BU play. I wanted to be a part of that. When I realized I was going to play junior ... I was watching Stouffville and they had a really long run (in 2006) and saw the fan support day in and day out...

Q: What's in your iPod?
Trivino: Most played is definitely the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Every single song I think is amazing. But I've got some rap and rock in there and some Justin Timberlake.

Q: Any superstitions?
Trivino: I have to put everything left on first.  Left elbow pad, left shin pad... The one everyone teases me about is that when I leave or enter the dressing room I have to tap with my stick the inside of the door. All you hear is tapping...

Q: Favourite NHL team?
Trivino: Toronto Maple Leafs. You’ve got to live and die with your home team... They’re going to pick up; I can feel it. You can't just jump the bandwagon...

Q: Favourite player?
Trivino: Vincent Lecavalier (Tampa Bay Lightning). He’s a great all-round player. He can score, he can pass, he gets physical, he can fight ...

Q: What about your family?
Trivino: My dad emigrated from Argentina in 1978. He wanted me to play soccer... When I was 13 or 14  I focused on hockey so I think I broke his heart, but overall he’s proud of me. My mom and dad are divorced but he lives across the street from me... It’s a really great environment (going back and forth)...they have a good relationship

Q: No. 1 passion outside of hockey?
Trivino: Back to my roots and soccer.  When I’m with family, we're cheering on the Boca club team or Argentina. When they were here for the under 20 world Cup, I was at every single game and they won because they're greatest team.

Q: Tell us something people wouldn't know about you?
Trivino: When there’s a road hockey game, I love to play net and I think I’m pretty good.

Spirit players soak up exposure, camaraderie from world event
by Mike Hayakawa, yorkregion.com, November 17, 2007

Ethan Werek, Corey Trivino, James McIntosh and Daniel Spivak admit they were disappointed to not win gold as members of the Canada East squad at last week’s World Junior A Hockey Challenge in Nelson and Trail, B.C.

But in settling for the silver medal from Sunday’s final, the four members of the Stouffville Spirit called the experience unforgettable.

The four were  honoured Thursday in a pre-game ceremony before losing 3-2 to the Collingwood Blues at the Stouffville Arena.

Town, team honours

“It was pretty exciting and to play for my country, something you dream of doing when you’re young, it was an honour,” Trivino, 17, said.

A shoulder injury, suffered at the tournament, kept him out of Thursday’s contest and tonight’s game in Orangeville

“I got to play with a great group of guys. We clicked right away,” he said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t win the gold, but getting silver isn’t too bad.”

While the players were disappointed to win silver, their best game was in the final, Werek said.

“But it was definitely a great experience and an honour to play for that team. And to play some games in front of 3,500 people was a great atmosphere,” the 16-year-old Stouffville resident added.

The opportunity to forge new friendships was most memorable, Spivak, 19, said.

“It’s something that will be with you the rest of your life,” the defenceman said.

McIntosh, 18, agreed.

“It was an absolutely amazing event,” the Holland Landing resident said. “The hockey was awesome and the experiences unforgettable. It was an amazing group of guys to be associated with when we had to work and to have fun with.”

Trivino had two goals and three assists in the tournament and was Canada East’s player of the game in their 4-1 win over Belarus. He suffered the shoulder injury in the second game, but completed the tournament.

The players knew there were several college and NHL scouts in the crowd.

“The experience gave us a lot of exposure to schools that hadn’t seen us before,” Spivak said.

Trivino is on the NHL watch list and expected to be picked in rounds three to five at next year’s draft.

ON NHL DRAFT LIST

“Being a big event, I’m sure a lot of NHL scouts were there,” Trivino, who will attend Boston University next fall on a full scholarship, said. “Hopefully they saw what I could do.”

Werek will join Trivino in Boston in 2009. McIntosh and Spivak are unsigned.

Trivino shining at World Challenge
by Mike Hayakawa, yorkregion.com, November 7, 2007

Corey Trivino scored a goal and contributed two assists to propel Canada East to a 4-1 win over Belarus in its opening game at the World Junior A Challenge Monday in Trail, B.C.

A second-year forward for the Stouffville Spirit and one of four players from the Provincial Junior A Hockey League squad to be chosen to the Canada East entry, Trivino’s performance also netted him the club’s player of the game award.

A prospect in next year’s NHL draft, he will attend Boston University on a scholarship next September.

Spotting Belarus a 1-0 lead in the first period, Canada East responded with two unanswered goals, including the eventual game-winning marker from Trivino on a shorthanded effort with Spirit teammate James McIntosh earning an assist.

Canada East and Aurora Tigers head coach Jerome Dupont was pleased with his club’s performance.

“It’s a good start,” he said. “You want to win so that you can hopefully get through to Saturday without playing any more games than you need to.”

Canada East played the United States last night. Playoffs begin today and end with Sunday’s gold-medal game on TSN.

For more on the tournament, go to hockeycanada.ca

Spirit's new big line erupts for 12 points
by Mike Hayakawa, yorkregion.com, October 19, 2007

If Stouffville Spirit head coach Dave D’Ammizio was to look for another job outside of hockey, he might look at being a chemist.

Since placing rookie Ethan Werek on a forward line with second-year sniper Corey Trivino and veteran team captain Randy Johnston, the trio have developed a nice chemistry.

And it was evident Thursday when the Spirit skated off with a convincing 7-0 win over the Couchiching Terriers in Provincial Junior A Hockey League action at the Stouffville Arena. The big line combined for 12 points.

Werek and Trivino, both recently named to the Canada East team that will compete at the upcoming World Junior A Challenge in Trail and Nelson, B.C., each had two goals and two assists. Johnston had a goal and three helpers.

“It took a brief period before they could piece it together. But we’ve got three skilled players playing together,” D’Ammizio said of the recently formed forward unit.

Trivino scored the game’s first goal that staked the Spirit to a 1-0 lead through 20 minutes.

The Spirit blew the game wide open in the second period and took a commanding 6-0 advantage as Werek scored twice while Taylor Law, Mark Sullivan and Johnston added singles.

Trivino rounded out the scoring in the third period with a power-play marker.

Spirit forward leads Canada East to victory in opener
by Mike Hayakawa, yorkregion.com, November 6, 2007

Corey Trivino scored a goal and contributed two assists to propel Canada East to a 4-1 win over Belarus in its opening game at the World Junior A Challenge Monday in Trail, B.C.

A second-year forward for the Stouffville Spirit and one of four players from their Provincial Junior A Hockey League squad to be chosen to the Canada East entry, Trivino’s performance also netted him the club’s player of the game award.

Spotting Belarus a 1-0 lead in the first period, Canada East responded with two unanswered goals, including the eventual game-winning marker from Trivino on a shorthanded effort with Spirit teammate James McIntosh earning an assist, at the 14:51 mark to take a 2-1 advantage entering the dressing room.

Fuelled by that momentum, Canada East struck for two goals in the second period, including one by Jordan Watts of the Aurora Tigers on a power play and another from Mike McLaughlin, also of the Tigers, to take a 4-1 lead through 40 minutes. Trivino collected assists on both goals.

Trivino, Spirit light up Lindsay
yorkregion.com, August 31, 2007

Corey Trivino showed fans at the Stouffville Arena again Thursday why he is an NHL prospect.

The Etobicoke resident scored four goals and assisted on another as his Stouffville Spirit defeated the Lindsay Muskies 9-3 in Provincial Jr. A Hockey League pre-season action.

Co-rookie of the year in the league’s North Conference last season, Trivino will attend Boston University on scholarship in 2008.

He's Got Spirit
by Kirk Luedeke, hockeyjournal.com, August 20, 2006

Fans and rivals of the Boston University Terriers might want to remember Corey Trivino’s name, even if he’s a couple of seasons away from making his presence felt at the Agganis Arena and other Hockey East rinks around the region.

The skilled forward and Etobicoke, Ontario native committed to BU this summer, but will first spend a couple of years honing his abilities and overall game with the Stouffville Spirit of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League (OPJHL).

Also known in hockey circles as Ontario Junior A, the Spirit recently fell in that league’s final series to the St. Mike’s Buzzers, and Spirit general manager Ken Burrows hopes that Trivino will be the difference in what he hopes will be championship rematch next spring.

“There’s so much you can say about Corey both as a player and a person,” Burrows told hockeyjournal.com. “He’s fast, good with the puck, has great vision and is probably one of the nicest gentlemen you can have on your team. He’s got tons of upside, and we can’t wait to get him out there helping us to win what we hope is going to be a lot of games over the next two years.”

Trivino, 16, was drafted by the OHL’s Barrie Colts in the fifth round (88th overall) of this past spring’s OHL Priority Selection or midget draft. If not for the fact that Trivino had made it clear going into the event that he wanted to pursue the Division 1 NCAA route, he would have undoubtedly been a surefire first-round selection.

“He’s got tremendous speed, skill and a high hockey IQ,” one NHL scout said of Trivino. “He’s also a solid citizen off the ice, a real coach’s dream. I think he’s going to flourish at this level and the next (college hockey) because he’s both talented and smart.”

Trivino, who is listed at 6 feet and 160 pounds, skated on the Toronto Marlboros bantam team with two of the province’s top players two years ago – ‘06 OHL Rookie of the Year John Tavares of the Oshawa Generals and Sam Gagner (son of former NHL player Dave Gagner), who is bound for the OHL’s London Knights after a year in the USHL.

“We had to recruit Corey, and I’m happy to say that he picked Stouffville over St. Mike’s,” Burrows said after revealing that the Spirit hosted Trivino for a visit and several team practices during an emotional overtime win over the Buzzer’s in the OPJHL championship series. “He could’ve gone to the champs, but didn’t. I think that right there tells you that he wanted the challenge of going to a team that came up just short, and is hoping to be what might be that missing piece of the puzzle to our own championship run.”

Trivino shed a little light on his decision to Yorkregion.com, saying: “I liked the run the club had last year and I felt comfortable with the guys when I skated with them in the spring.”

In the short time Trivino spent with the team at season’s end, attending practices and skating with the club’s returning veterans, he apparently made quite an impression on a lot of the players.”

“More than a few of the kids were asking the coaches if Corey could skate on their line next season,” Burrows said. “That’s one more thing that speaks volumes for the kind of talent he is, that in such a small amount of time, he could win over the veteran players like that.”

Trivino apparently also endeared himself to the head coach Dave West, his staff and players alike, by volunteering to do some of the grunt work associated with practice such as filling up the team’s water bottles and policing up the pucks before and after each session.

“Some kids have a real sense of entitlement coming into a program like this one,” Burrows said. “They know they’re probably going on to bigger and better things in hockey, but Corey’s not like that. He knows he’s an outstanding player, but he also understands the importance of being a good teammate and placing the integrity of the game above everything else.”

So, for two seasons at least, Trivino will take the same road that the Edmonton Oilers’ ’05 first-round pick and current University of Michigan standout Andrew Cogliano traveled – eschewing major junior for the chance to earn an education and play hockey for one of the country’s most storied collegiate programs. It will take some time, but if the past is any indication, Trivino will be worth the wait for the Terriers and their fans.

“He’s going to be a top player in our league,” Burrows said. “And hopefully BU and wherever else he goes. It’s one thing to have a kid on your club who’s as talented as Corey is, but when you think about what a mature and classy young man he is, you can’t help but be excited.”