USHS: QA with Avon Old Farms Nick Bonino

Nick Bonino (Sr.) at Avon Old Farms has recently committed to play for the Terriers of Boston University in '07. A pure goal scorer led the Winged Beavers of Avon in scoring last season, and made a name for himself in his first year at the prep school level. With a good supporting cast behind him, Avon looks to return to prep school dominance that they had a couple years ago winning back-to-back championships, while Nick looks to create some more buzz on the pro level for the draft.

Nick is an intriguing prospect because of his pure goal scorer ability. Before attending Avon, Nick scored 68 goals for Farmington High School. He is very gifted offensively by scoring, making beautiful passes or stickhandling through multiple defenders. He is excellent one-on-one and he can also play a physical game. We had the chance to sit down with Nick at Avon and ask a few question:

McKeen's: How did you become interested in hockey? At what age did you start playing organized hockey?

Nick Bonino: My father had me on the ice when I was three for learn to skate, and from then on I just couldn't get enough. He played a little when he was in high school, but wasn't a huge hockey player, so I am lucky that he had the foresight to get me involved at such a young age.

McKeen's: Describe the type of game you play. What are your strengths? Weaknesses?

Nick Bonino: I play a puck possession type of game. I shield the puck from defenders well, and have a knack for knowing where guys are and will be on the ice. My anticipation, stickhandling, and shot have helped me succeed as I moved up levels. My main weakness right now would be my strength and footspeed, but everyday I am in the gym improving them.

McKeen's: What would you say is the most underrated facet to your game?

Nick Bonino: I've been criticized for being slow, however as I move up levels I have always been able to adapt to the speed of the game. I am not slow at all, it is that I use changes in speed to throw off defenders.

McKeen's: Which NHL player do you model your game after and why?

Nick Bonino: That's a real hard question, but maybe Pavel Datsyuk…I just like how he plays, and how assertive he is with the puck on his stick.

McKeen's: Who are the five most talented players you've played against and what specifically do you admire about their styles?

Nick Bonino: I recently did a pro camp with Pete Asadourian, my trainer, and every night we would cut the guys in half and have a game. It was probably the best skate I've ever been a part of. It was all division one and NHL players, so the best five players I've played against would probably include Colin McDonald (Providence, NCAA/ Edmonton draft pick 2003), Ron Hainsey (Columbus, NHL), Gregg Johnson (Binghamton, AHL), Matt Generous (St. Lawrence, AHL/ Buffalo draft pick 2005), and Jon DiSalvatore (St. Louis, NHL/ Peoria, AHL).

McKeen's: Describe your decision process in committing to a Hockey East powerhouse school like BU?

Nick Bonino: It was an extremely hard decision choosing between UNH, PC, and BU. I visited the schools, got a feel for all the coaching staff's and the schools, and went with BU. It was always a dream to be able to play in the Beanpot, and in Boston, so being able to commit there was a great feeling.

McKeen's: Describe your summer? You play a lot of hockey or relax and work-out? What do you focus on during off-season training?

Nick Bonino: I play a lot of hockey in the summer with the Northern Connecticut Wings, which is a summer junior team out of West Hartford, CT. We played in 5 tournaments or so, the best probably being the Chowder Cup, where we did well for a young team and went 1-0-2. I also work out with my trainer at Future Fitness almost everyday, and I focus on foot speed and my strength, with a big emphasis on my legs.

McKeen's: The NHL Entry Draft will be coming up for you this year. Are you thinking about it at all?

Nick Bonino: It's always in the back of my mind, yes, but I'm not really thinking about it too hard. I just want to focus on my season at Avon and have fun playing hockey.

McKeen's: What are your expectations coming into the season?

Nick Bonino: Win New England's and get back on top of New England Prep Hockey.

McKeen's: Which areas do you consider you have to improve to succeed in the next level in college and further?

Nick Bonino: Just getting bigger, faster, and stronger.