AHL Utica Comets

Comet Tales: Player Profile of Devils' Tim Sestito

Published on October 23, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


In your game program, Rome's Tim Sestito is listed as number 12, a center for the Albany Devils.  Come opening night, October 23 at the Utica Memorial Auditorium, the 29-year old Rome native is going to have to try real hard to conceal a smile.

With the New Jersey Devils American Hockey League affiliate playing in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, and the Utica Comets welcomed into the Western Conference's North Division, only twice will these two teams meet at The AUD this season.  After the inaugural home game in less than two weeks, only in January will Sestito and his fellow Jersey prospects make a return visit.  A self-proclaimed Utica/Rome guy at heart, although he's going to do all in his power to help fellow Albany teammates get two points on tonight, just as hockey fans in the Mohawk Valley have been counting down the days until the puck drops so has Sestito. "I'm pretty excited. Throughout the summer there has been a buzz about the area on the Comets joining the AHL," says Sestito, a veteran of 70 National Hockey League games.

Growing up watching the Utica Devils play at The AUD, Sestito knows the excitement level of opening night locally. Confessing to schedule watching all through the summer, in anticipation of if, or when Albany would make the trip west to Utica, Sestito wanted to get his ticket requests in. "I will have many friends and family members at the opening game," Sestito said.

As a free agent this summer, along with young brother Tom Sestito signing a two-year, one-way deal with the Comets parent organization Vancouver Canucks, could there been a moment where Tim contemplated signing with the club skating in the Aud?  "It definitely crossed my mind. It didn't happen. But if it had, that would have been great. I am jealous that I didn't get to play in the game in Rome (Comets-Adirondack Phantoms September 25 exhibition contest)," Sestito states.

It was after New Jersey's fifth preseason game with the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center last month that Sestito was dispatched to Albany. Conditioned to be ready at a text or phone call coming at anytime, Tim is a veteran leader who has gained the respect of his teammates, season after season. Keeping his, as well as fellow Albany teammates, emotions in check during a home opener in Utica that is sure to be highly emotional is a task Sestito promises to do.  "Playing in Utica will be more exciting than when I have played in Syracuse," Sestito explains. "I'm going to savor the experience. I'm happy for the area and for Rob (Comets President Rob Esche)."

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