MATS ZUCCARELLO SHOOTS: LEFT HEIGHT: 5’8” W E IGH T: 184 # B ORN: SEPTEMBER 1, 1987 36 BIRTHPLACE: OSLO, NORWAY RIGHT WING Originally an undrafted free agent signing of New York in 2010, playmaking Mats Zuccarello has been one of the Rangers top performers over the last several years. One of the most popular players in the locker room, the feisty Zuccarello serves as an alternate captain for the Blueshirts and led the club in points in each of the previous three seasons. He is tied for the team lead in PPA (11) in 2018-19, ranks 2nd in PPP (14), 3rd in assists (26), 4th in points (37), and 6th in goals (11). ONE TIMERS LOOSE PUCKS • Has a brother, Fabian, a sister, Sandra, and two step brothers, Robin and Favorite musician: Rihanna Martin Movies: The Hangover and Gladiator • His first job was working as a lifeguard TV shows: Gossip Girl and King of Queens • His hockey idol growing up was Peter Forsberg Guilty pleasure TV show: One Tree Hill • A big soccer fan, his favorite team is Manchester United and if he could Celebrity look-alike: Johnny Depp have dinner with one person in the world it would be David Beckham. Zuc- NYC restaurant: Rue 57 carello was a star striker in high school On his bucket list: Download 50 apps • Named the Rangers nominee for the 2015-16 Bill Masterton Memorial Tro- Funniest Ranger: Marc Staal phy, an annual award given to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey Greatest love besides hockey: Relaxing • A three-time recipient (2013-14, 2015-16 & 2016-17) of the Steven Mc- What he’d be doing if not playing hockey: Model or Cop Donald Extra Effort Award, which is presented annually to the player who Talent he’d most like to have: Magic tricks “goes above and beyond the call of duty.” The award is voted on by the Person he’d trade places with for a day: Cristiano Ronaldo fans Most listened to artist: Kygo Meal: Meatloaf Animal his teammates would compare him to: Killer Whale NORWAY’S FINEST Athlete he’d like to practice with: Zlatan Ibrahimovic ONE TIMERS Zuccarello has tallied the most career goals, assists, points and games played by a Norwe- gian-born player in NHL history. He is just the MAY I ASSIST YOU 2nd Norwegian to register over 100 career NHL ONE TIMERS points (Espen Knutsen). Zuccarello is t-3rd in the NHL in assists (15) since January 15, 2019, and is t-11th in points (19). MATS ZUCCARELLO RIGHT WING AMONG THE BEST WELCOME MATS Zuccarello is one of nine players in franchise history to lead Since re-joining the Rangers on March 28, 2013, Zuccarello... the team in points in three straight seasons (2015-16 - 2017- 18), joining Jaromir Jagr, Wayne Gretzky, Phil Esposito, • Leads the team in points (326), assists (221), Andy Bathgate, Bryan Hextall Sr., Cecil Dillon, Bill Cook, and EVP (237), PPP (87), PPA (67) and EVA (153) Frank Boucher. • Ranks t-2nd in GWG (18) • Ranks 3rd in goals (105) and EVG (84) • Ranks 5th in PPG (20) LEADING THE WAY MATS IN THE COMMUNITY Zuccarello is one of five NHL players who either led his team or tied for the team lead in points (all on the same team) in each of the previous three seasons (2015-16 - 2017-18). The other four are Johnny Gaudreau, Patrick Mats started The Zuccarello Foundation in 2014 with the goal to support Kane, Erik Karlsson, and Nikita Kucherov. youth hockey teams in Norway while growing the game and encouraging young children to work hard and fulfill their dreams. PRIMARY MAN In addition, Mats serves as an ambassador for Right to Play, which is a glob- ONE TIMERS al organization that promotes the involvement and power of play for chil- Since 2015-16, 154 of Zuccarello’s 207 points have either been a dren across the world. goal or the primary assist on a goal (74.4%). In the summer of 2018, ha and his teammate Henrik Lundqvist hosted the first-ever “Henke and Zucca Summer Classic” at Oslo, Norway’s Ullevaal WHEN IT COUNTS Stadium in August of 2018. Many NHL stars participated in this event and ONE TIMERS the majority of the proceeds went to Zuccarello’s and Henrik’s foundations. Since 2015-16, 57 of Zuccarello’s 68 goals have been when the team has led by 1 goal, trailed by 1 goal, or were tied. In the 2015 offseason, Mats visited Tanzania on behalf of Right to Play and the Zuccarello Foundation and spent time with children there while promot- ing the cause of both charities. ONE“QUOTABLE” TIMERS “He’s close with everyone. He’s a funny guy. He keeps the locker room leveled... His love for the game - he’s a little guy and he plays big. He’s always throwing big hits, blocking shots. He’s a huge part of this team.” MOTHER KNOWS BEST -Rangers teammate Kevin Hayes “You’ve got to be ready all the time because even if you think he’s The biggest influence on Zuccarello’s career is his mother, Anita, who not looking at you, the puck ends up on your stick. I think he can raised him as a single mother before marrying. “She did everything for me, do it all too, he can score, he can pass. He’s just so smart in the she still does,” said Zuccarello. “She is the reason why I started playing and offensive zone.” she always pushed me and encouraged me. I wouldnt be where I am if it -Rangers teammate Jimmy Vesey wasn’t for her.” Anita, who works as a hairdresser, paid for him to go to a private school at age 15 to specialize in hockey at The Norwegian College of Elite Sport. Said Zuccarello: “She paid for me then, and I’m paying her back now. I owe her everything.”.