Damian Pancino, a second-year captain for the Strathroy Rockets, is a player who brings both skill and an unwavering sense of loyalty to his team. Born and raised in the London area, Pancino embodies the grit and passion that have come to define his team’s style of play. Now in his final year of junior hockey, he’s determined to leave everything on the ice, taking each game as an opportunity to make his mark.
Pancino’s journey in hockey has been shaped by several influences, with one of the most impactful being his former and current coach, Jason Williams. “Jason was my coach in minor midget, and he’s been a great mentor. He’s always willing to go over film, and he’s given me a lot of confidence in my game,” he says. Williams, who has a wealth of experience across all levels, taught Pancino not only to trust his skills but also to shoot more, pushing him to refine his offensive play. “He’s been at every level of the game, and it’s pretty special to have his guidance.”
“For me, it’s just being that voice of reason for the guys if we have a bad period or game and getting everyone fired up when I can. I never want to point fingers; I lead by example”
When it comes to his play style, Pancino is all about speed and precision. “My skating is my biggest strength. I use my speed to my advantage to make plays whenever I can,” he explains. With a newfound confidence in his last season, he’s focused on making an impact by getting as many shots as possible in each game, determined to capitalize on every opportunity.
Leadership, for Pancino, is about being a steadying presence. “For me, it’s just being that voice of reason for the guys if we have a bad period or game and getting everyone fired up when I can. I never want to point fingers; I lead by example,” he shares. This approach has fostered a sense of trust and camaraderie among his teammates, creating a tight-knit bond that Pancino likens to a brotherhood. “Last year, we were such a tight group. By the end of the season, it felt like a family.”
Pancino also credits past leaders, like former captain Kaden Hoggarth, as role models who influenced his approach to leadership. “I had a great leader in Hoggarth, and I looked up to him. Coming in as a younger captain, I wanted to keep things as positive as possible and be someone the younger guys can talk to.”
Some of Pancino’s favourite memories come from rival games, especially against the London Nationals and St. Marys Lincolns. “I love playing London because it’s my hometown, and I have friends and family come out. St. Marys is a different story – they traded me, so it’s a bit of a personal thing to prove myself for those games” he says.
When it comes to pre-game rituals, Pancino has a consistent routine. “I always get ready from left to right, eat chicken and rice before every game, and stick to the same stretches,” he shares. These rituals help him stay grounded, ready to lead his team with focus and determination.
Pancino’s role as captain has also allowed him to witness the community’s growing support for the team. “We’ve seen an increase in fan support, especially as we’ve started doing more events. The fans are incredible – they’re always cheering us on, and it’s always the same faces in the crowd. It’s pretty special,” he says, appreciating the dedication of the local supporters. The younger fans, especially, bring him joy, with fist bumps before the game adding an extra layer of motivation.
With aspirations to play at the next level, either in the U.S. or at a Canadian university, Pancino is focused on making this season count. For him, being captain of the Strathroy Rockets is about more than just winning games – it’s about building a legacy, inspiring the younger players, and giving back to the community that has supported him every step of the way.
