Parisi, Pesce Reflect on NTDP Experience

Boston, MA- Though their teams may be bitter rivals on the ice, New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs defenseman Tom Parisi and Jersey Hitmen defenseman Brett Pesce had no problem putting that aside to compete with the USA National Development program this past weekend.

Pesce became the fifth member of the Hitmen to wear the red, white and blue this season after Connor Clifton. He made his NTDP debut on December 28th against Minnesota State University- Mankato.
Parisi, the second Monarch to play for the program, joined the team for the games in Boston after a previous stint earlier in the season. In his four total games, Parisi had one assist, which came on Nikolas Olsson’s game-tying goal against Boston University last night.

“It was great to get an introduction to the college game,” said Parisi, a Providence College recruit, “and it was awesome to wear the USA jersey and to play against two powerhouse teams. “I got to play in two league games for Team USA earlier in the season, but it was really special to play against NCAA teams, especially teams like Northeastern and BU.”

“The whole experience was great,” recalleed Pesce, who has committed to University of New Hampshire. “I’m very appreciative that [NTDP Director of Player Personnel] Peter Ward made this happen because it was certainly a dream come true.”

While the two are set to resume their rivalry in EJHL play, they enjoyed their time as teammates.

“We’re definitely rivals, but it was was a great experience to be [Pesce’s] teammate,” commented Parisi, who also played with Pesce’s older brother in youth hockey.

Pesce concurred, noting that the two “talked a lot and became very friendly over the past weekend.”

Parisi will join his Monarchs teammates for their tilt on Wednesday against the Huskies and Pesce will rejoin the Hitmen for their game in Philadelphia against the Revolution on Thursday.