Wenatchee Wild Stories – #12 Mario Gasparini

The Wenatchee Wild is a Junior A hockey team who play in the British Columbia Hockey League.

The BCHL is a great league to earn a full ride scholarship at Universities across North America.

The Wild play in the 4,300 seat Town Toyota Center. “The Wolves Den” has provided loud support during their play in the NAHL (North American Hockey League) from 2008 - 2015 and recently in the BCHL (from 2015 to present).

The Wenatchee Wild are led by Head Coach Chris Clark.

Wenatchee Wild

Our eleventh edition of this seasons Wenatchee Wild Stories - Features defenseman #12 Mario Gasparini. Mario will turn 20 years of age on February 28th. He is playing his second and final season in the Wenatchee Valley. Mario will be playing division 1 college hockey - this Fall at the University of Vermont. Before coming here, Mario played junior hockey in the USHL, with the Sioux Falls Stampede and most recently with the Tri-City Storm in Kearney, Nebraska. Mario’s Father, Tony Gasparini - served for 15 years as a scout for the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings. Tony is currently the General Manager of the Sioux Falls Stampede.

Wenatchee Wild

Connor: Mario, thanks for agreeing to chat. Where did you grow up?

Mario Gasparini: Lakeville, Minnesota (in the Twin Cities).

C: What is your favorite NHL team?

MG: The Los Angeles Kings.

C: Who is your favorite NHL player and why?

MG: Drew Doughty (defenseman for the Kings) – I watched him a ton growing up, and I love the way he plays.

C: What is your earliest memory of hockey?

MG: Playing on the outdoor rinks with my buddies.

C: Who inspired you to want to play hockey at a higher level?

MG: My dad and grandpa are huge influences on it.

C: What do you like about Wenatchee?

MG: I love the town, and I love living with my billets, the Littlers. It’s a great atmosphere here with the fans and whatnot.

Wenatchee Wild

C: What are your favorite places to eat in Wenatchee and what do you order?

MG: One of my favorite places is El Porton, and I like the California Burrito

C: What is your favorite opposing arena to play at and why?

MG: It’s probably Salmon Arm – it gets really rowdy in there and the fans are always crazy, and it’s a lot of fun. I love beating them there.

C: What is something Coach Clarky has taught you since you joined the Wenatchee Wild?

Mario Gasparini: I’d say to pick your moments – you’re not going to make a play every time. Pick your moments and pick your spots throughout the game.

Connor: Thanks for taking time with us! You can follow the Wenatchee Wild's #12, Mario Gasparini on Instagram: @MarioGaspo4

The Wild are back home in the Wolves Den for this weekend! February February 17th/18th

Friday night February 17th

Cranbrook @ Wenatchee Wild

6:05pm puck drop

Multicultural Night

Town Toyota Center - Wenatchee, WA

Radio: Newsradio 560 KPQ (and on the free KPQ app for ANY device)

Streaming online: HOCKEYTV

Saturday night February 18th

Cranbrook @ Wenatchee Wild

7:05 pm puck drop