Gryphons men’s hockey player talks Major Junior, CIS transition
Robert De Fulviis, Guelph Gryphons Men’s Hockey sophomore, ranks third on the team in points with 18 (eight goals, 10 assists) in 23 games played this season. The former member of the Rimouski Oceanic was named Gryphons Male Athlete of the Week for the week ending Jan. 18, with strong contributions in back-to-back Gryphon victories. Following the honour, De Fulviis talked about his transition from the QMJHL, to his biggest accomplishment, and more.
Stephanie Coratti: In 2013-14, you made the transition from the QMJHL to CIS hockey; what prompted the decision?
Robert De Fulviis: I made the transition to CIS after my [overage] year in junior. I didn’t have any pro options that I thought were good enough to pursue at the time, and decided that coming to school and getting a degree while being able to play hockey at this level would be a good choice for me.
S.C.: How has the transition been?
R.D.: The transition so far has been pretty smooth. In junior, you have a lot of free time to do whatever you want after your practice and workouts, but in university, you definitely have to be very organized with your time. I think all athletes on campus know that we have very demanding lives, in that we need to organize our schoolwork around practices, workouts, and games.
S.C.: Why did you choose the University of Guelph?
R.D.: From the moment I stepped onto campus [during] my visit, I fell in love with the place. I really don’t know how to describe it, but I just felt as if I was home. I knew that I would be part of something special with the hockey team here, and was also excited about the Landscape Architecture program.
…don’t know how to describe it, but I just felt as if I was home.
S.C.: Who has been your inspiration both on and off the ice?
R.D.: My biggest inspiration definitely goes to both my parents. I really don’t know where I would be without them today. They have given me every opportunity to do what I want to do and I can’t thank them enough.
S.C.: What has been your biggest accomplishment to-date?
R.D.: […] being able to score the game-winning goal in overtime of Game Six in the QMJHL playoffs. I was with Rimouski at the time and we were playing against the Halifax Mooseheads. The goal sent Rimouski to the finals for the first time since Sidney Crosby was in the organization, and we also eliminated some pretty big names in Nathan Mackinnon, Jonathan Drouin, and Zach Fucale.
S.C.: Is there anything you regret throughout your career?
R.D.: I wouldn’t say I regret anything in my career. I do wish that I was a little more mature in Major Junior but it’s easy to get caught up in the moment while playing in front of that big audience night-in and night-out. I was fortunate enough to play junior hockey for five years of my life, and I definitely could say they [were] the best five years of my life so far. A lot of memories with a lot of players from different parts around the world, while also being able to play against some of the best players in the world in my age group. It was a lot of fun.
S.C.: What’s next for you outside of hockey?
R.D.: My father owns and operates a sewer and water-main company in Toronto. I know he would like to step into retirement sooner rather than later, so I’m hoping I can take over the reigns and do my best to live up to what he has done with the company. Being in the Landscape Architecture program, I really want to be able to get into development as well in the GTA. It is something that has interested me for a long time.
S.C.: If you could give advice to young hockey players and/or student athletes, what would it be?
R.D.: Never give up and always make sure you have fun. Growing up in minor hockey, a lot of kids always have a lot of pressure put on them […] I think every kid should just go out and play and have fun. Don’t ever let any one tell you that you aren’t good enough either, they don’t know what you’re capable of.