By: Kayden Williams
Before he ever laced up the hockey skates, Joe Vecchione had already faced one of life’s toughest battles. As a child Joe was diagnosed with leukemia, a challenge that would test his strength before he found it on the ice.
“I wasn’t very old,” Vecchione said, “But obviously it was a big challenge. Thankfully I overcame that.”
That early battle with cancer taught him he has to fight for everything in his life. Whether it’s in the classroom or on the hockey rink, Joe needs to keep fighting to get what he wants. Joe had to go through something that not many people have had to early on in his life, and it taught him resiliency.
Vecchione grew up in Wayne, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City. A proud fan of all New York teams, specifically the New York Rangers. “Big Ranger guy,” he said with a smile. “All New York teams I love.”
Hockey became a part of his life thanks to his family and cousins. watch his cousins play roller hockey at a young age and he quickly fell in love with the sport. “One of my cousins played for Middletown North, and I went and watched their state championship game when they won. That really sparked something in me.”
From there his love for the game really took off. Starting with playing in roller hockey leagues he quickly transitioned into Ice hockey and has not looked back since. He started with the Wayne hockey club, then moved to the North Jersey Bandits sharpening his skills and confidence. In high school, he became a four-year varsity player for the Wayne Knights, earning respect for both his dedication and leadership.
When it came time for college, Vecchione’s journey led him south. “My cousin lives in Lakeland, so my mom kind of found Florida Southern through that.” He explained. “We came for a campus tour, and I loved it, so I picked it.” Joe is also a part of the hockey team here on campus and has scored some pretty big goals for the Mocs. Joining the team in spring of last year Joe’s personality and leadership has really helped the team grow closer.
Now studying sports management with plans to switch to business administration Vecchione is focused on building a future beyond hockey. “I want to own my own company eventually,” he said. “Be an entrepreneur. It’s good because you can be your own boss and don’t have to rely on other people.” Joe was taught at a very young age you have to work for what you get out of life. Joe’s work ethic and professionalism will carry him throughout his life.
I spoke with Jon Burkhart who is a captain with the hockey team here at FSC. He said “Joe is one of those guys, that even if he doesn’t have a letter on his jersey he is always going to set a good example for other players on the team.” This shows how Joe is a leader in the locker room and sets great examples for other players on the team.
From surviving leukemia to carving out his place on the ice, Joe Vecchione’s story is one of perseverance, family, and passion. His journey reminds those around him that the toughest battles often lead to the strongest characters, and for Joe, that strength shows up in everything he does in his life.