Player Profile #2: Andrew DellaDonna
Position: Forward
Number: 21
H/W: 5’9/175
Age: 20
Shoots: R
Home town: Syracuse, NY
Nickname: Drew/Delly
It was never a requirement, but it always felt right that the first Elmira Aviators captain would come from New York. Sure enough, forward Andrew DellaDonna, a Syracuse native, has stepped into the role in stride.
The Elmira Aviators are new to the North American Hockey League, but DellaDonna is not. The newly named Aviators’ captain has played in the league since he was 17.
“I’ve been through it all,” DellaDonna said. “I’ve been in this league for four years, I’ve seen a thing or two.”
He played 34 games for the Chippewa Steel before joining the Northeast Generals. DellaDonna was with the Generals from 2022 through the first five games of this season, before being traded to the Aviators.
Still, DellaDonna has stepped in right away as a leader in the Aviators’ locker room, starting with being confident in himself.
“Being comfortable with myself, being comfortable with how I am as a person,” DellaDonna said. “I view myself as a leader, so I hope that others view me as a leader as well.”
His teammates certainly viewed him as that leader, with the team voting him as their captain for the inaugural season of Aviators hockey. DellaDonna felt honored to have been selected by his peers.
“It means everything you know, to have the support from your teammates, have the support from your coaches, to know that you’re going to be leaned on for leadership, looked at for advice, it just means everything.”
DellaDonna has 164 games in the NAHL under his belt. That’s 88 games more than his closest teammate.
There is loads of pressure taking on the mantle of captain, especially for a first-year organization, but DellaDonna is overjoyed with the opportunity.
“I’m definitely most excited for being the voice of the guys,” DellaDonna said. “Like if you guys need any help, I’ll be the guy to go out and push for your advice, push for anything you want. Just being some guy, like being the backbone, being a guy that people can rely on.”
DellaDonna has a big heart for helping others as it’s how he wants to be seen in his role as captain: Someone who can help.
Off the ice, DellaDonna has a constant smile and a positive attitude. He says you won’t find him upset unless it’s something serious. Hailing from New York, he also loves the New York Yankees.
DellaDonna and the Aviators will head North this weekend to face off against the Maine Nordiques. You can watch on NATV and listen live on Big Foot Country Legends. Game 1 is Friday at 7:30 p.m. with Game 2 taking place Saturday at 7 p.m.
Mac Young is the play-by-play voice of the Elmira Aviators. To contact him email [email protected].