STOCKHOLM – Looking at the rosters from lower-ranked nations, you'll usually find American and Canadian skaters who live, work and thrive overseas as professional hockey players. Vincent Rocco is one of them. “Growing up you never really think of representing any other country at the World Championship other than the one you are from,” said the Woodbridge, Ontario native of his decision to don the Italy jersey. After graduating from Niagara University, where he starred for four years, and then a brief stint in the East Coast Hockey League with the Reading Royals, Rocco weighed his options on whether to stay in North America and keep plugging away, or look elsewhere. With the strongest overtures coming from HC Alleghe, Rocco arrived in Italy ready to play. Rocco says has no complaints about life in Italy. The adjustment to the lifestyle hasn’t been all that difficult and he calls the quality of life in the country “incredible”. “The hockey is very good and we have good players in the league and the Italians have come a long way in the three years I’ve been there.” Coming off perhaps his most impressive season in Italy where he scored 21 goals, Rocco finally earned his Italian passport and passage onto the national team. “I’m fortunate to have this opportunity to represent my country at the World Championship in the top group. This is an important event in European hockey and it’s exciting to be a part of it.” The national team has experienced its share of ups and downs. Italy is hoping hoping to avoid relegation as it was unable to do at the 2010 World Championship. After their 4-3 overtime win over Denmark, the Italians had something to show for their early efforts. But since then consecutive losses to Latvia and Norway by the combined score of 11-2 has them struggling to avoid finishing last in the group, thus earning a possible trip back to Division I. To make matters worse, Italy has to play the Czech Republic, Sweden and Russia in its final three games. “We showed against Denmark that if we play our system and if we play the way we know how to play, this team can compete and steal some games in this tournament.” He said. "We’ve still got three games left, and maybe we can salvage something else.” Rocco believes that the Italian national hockey program will continue to grow and become more competitive, if not here then certainly in the future. “I think slowly we could build a really good program here,” Rocco said. “I think our head coach (Rick Cornacchia) has done a great job in putting the structure in place.” Italy’s win against Denmark remains his favourite moment so far but it is in the past and Italy must move hope for some really big breaks in the coming days if they are to have a chance in one or all of their games. "We know we’ve got to get points here playing against arguably the three best teams in our group," Rocco said. "We’ve got to scratch and claw. If we just stick to our game plan and keep working hard – everyone’s got to be on the same page at 120 percent – who knows?" JOHN SANFUL