As a 20-year-old heading into his final year of junior hockey, Quizi is very aware that he’s been brought to a situation where he will be a key part of the success, and he loves the opportunity to a piece to put this team in title contention. “It’s awesome,” he says with a smile. “Obviously, trust is number one. You want your coach to trust you, and the last few days on the ice have been great. Getting to know Paul, getting to know Matthew Thiessen, the goalie coach, getting to know the boys. I can say, we’re going to be a pretty good team. Everyone is excited, and we all can’t wait to get going.”
Competitor, passionate, determined, all words that describe Quizi as a hockey player, and the netminder says he will not be shy to speak up if the situation calls for it. “100%. I feel like I’m a pretty talkative guy, personable maybe. I’m out here playing the game I love, having fun while doing it. Fans will see it, I’m always upbeat, keeping things fun, but also very dialled at the same time. In the room, I’m a veteran, an older presence, some might say. It’s going to be new for me being a 20-year-old, but a lot of guys have done it before, so why not me? I’ll go in there, be a good voice for the guys.”
Being a good teammate
It wasn’t long ago that Quizi was the young goaltender learning the ropes, but now, as a veteran with a younger player behind him, he’s going to take on the leadership role and serve as a mentor. “For me, I’ve been in that position. I’ve been the younger goalie, so it’s just knowing I’ve been in his shoes and I’ve lived it. I’ll try to be a good leader and an overall good guy. Off the ice and on the ice.”
Being in the community is also important to Quizi, and he’s willing to work. “It’s a really great community, I’m excited to be a part of it. It’s a little nicer than Brooks, Alberta, so I’m enjoying every second of it. I have great billets, and I’m on Paul to get me a job, but doing volunteer work with all the people in Steinbach will be a lot of fun, it’s going to be great. The more time I spend without a mask on in front of people, the better.”
Having the family out
Already, there are plans in the works to have the Quizi family come out to see all that there is to offer being a Piston. “Man, I cannot wait, and they cannot wait. I’ve been showing them pictures and videos, and I’ve been talking with them a lot; I can’t wait to show them around town here. It might take a little time, but they’ll get down here. They know I’m in a good spot, and that’s all they need to know. I’m safe, stopping pucks, having fun, it’s all you can do.”
First ever number 60?
When it comes to his number, Quizi is open to what the Pistons have, but if he has the chance, he would like to be the first-ever Piston to wear the number 60. “I haven’t talked to Paul about it, but I think the options are 1, 30, and 35, maybe. But we’ll see what happens. I’m not too sure what the number situation is. 60 is my number, I love that number. That goes back to Jose Theodore when he was on the Panthers; he was the man. I hope it happens, but it doesn’t matter. Numbers are on the back, I only care about the logo on the front.”
The Steinbach Pistons have two more preseason games this upcoming weekend, with a Friday night contest in Niverville, followed by a Saturday game in Steinbach.
