Michael Sacco's Commitment to West Point and Hockey
Phil Tor
Michael Sacco's journey to West Point and his commitment to both the United States Military Academy and the game of hockey
Before I got here, I learned a lot about the graduates and the unbelievable alumni that have come through West Point. For me, thinking about being a part of the Long Grey Line gives me chills. The fact that my name could be associated with all the others that have come before me motivated me to put in all the hard work and dedication that I need to in order to make that happen.Michael Sacco, Army West Point Hockey
For Army West Point Hockey’s Michael Sacco, getting into the United States Military Academy was always the mission. A plebe on the team now, Sacco had to wait longer than he had intended to begin his 47-month journey.
After a three-year junior hockey career, Sacco had committed to play hockey for Brian Riley at the United States Military Academy. However, when Sacco's acceptance into the academy was delayed, he was urged to attend the United States Military Academy Preparatory School in order to meet the entry requirements to get into West Point.
“The end goal was always to graduate from the United States Military Academy. It didn’t matter to me that it was going to take an extra year because I want to commission as an officer, I want to be a leader and I wanted to have the opportunity to be at West Point. This place is so special and so unlike any other school that I could have gone to,” said Sacco.
Committed to his dream of becoming an officer and Division I hockey player, Sacco chose to attend the prep school, giving up hockey for a whole year while he focused on academics.
“After I finished up junior [hockey] I had to go up to USMAPS for a year to get more accustomed to the military lifestyle and the academic portion of West Point,” said Sacco, “Unfortunately, I couldn’t play hockey, but I was able to make a ton of connections and friendships there and it ended up being a great and formative experience for me.”
During his three years of junior hockey, Sacco only had to focus on developing his skillset, working out and playing hockey. The transition to West Point was a challenging one for Sacco, but the Long Island native was devoted to accomplishing his goal of becoming a Cadet.
“I wanted to be a part of the Army Hockey family and I wanted to represent all the guys that have come through this locker room," said Sacco.
Two and a half years after he had given his original verbal commitment to Army, Sacco emerged from Cadet Basic Training (CBT) and was officially a United States Military Academy Cadet-Athlete. Sacco joined seven other teammates in the Class of 2025 and wasted no time in getting back on the ice to begin training for the his first hockey game in over a year.
Going into the season, Sacco's goal was to be an asset to the team and do whatever the coaches asked. Coach Riley saw enough out of Sacco during summer and fall workouts to give him a starting spot in the opening day lineup against Providence.
“It was a long road, getting to where I am now. Not just for me, but for my family and those who supported me,” said Sacco. “Hearing that I would be playing in that game was an unbelievable feeling. Knowing that all that hard work payed off made it an incredible experience.”
"Hey Mike, how did it feel to make the dress list for your first college game?" pic.twitter.com/OnlvzTVnWN
— Army Hockey (@ArmyWP_Hockey) October 1, 2021
Sacco, now 16 games into his college career, has earned regular ice time because of his hard work, carving out a role as the team’s third-line center. In the past four games, Sacco has notched three points, scoring two goals and dishing out an assist. He has helped Army climb the Atlantic Hockey standings, where it currently sits tied for fourth.
The Long Island native believes that this team is just getting started.
“We’re starting to figure out our identity and starting to play to our strengths. When we play our game we’re a tough team to beat, said Sacco. “My focus is to come out and play with energy. I want to take on any role that the coaches need me to and make sure that I can be in the lineup and be an asset to this team down the stretch.”
Army Hockey now has just six games left in its regular season and the team is beginning to ramp up its preparation for a deep playoff run.
Michael Sacco is officially in column number ??\#GoArmy pic.twitter.com/CZx3QqIapm
— Army Hockey (@ArmyWP_Hockey) January 29, 2022
Everything that I’ve had to do in order to get here was so worth it. I’ve been at West Point for a year and a half now and I’m so grateful for what I’ve experienced and excited for what’s to come.Michael Sacco, Army West Point Hockey
Even with everything he has going on up at Tate Rink, Sacco is still focused on developing his leadership skills. He hopes all that he learns at West Point will not only make him a better hockey player and teammate, but a better person, student and leader.
“The lessons that you learn here, whether on the ice or in the classroom, will be used to help me be a leader," said Sacco. "I want to make sure that when I lead soldiers in the future that I am the best leader I can be and this is the best place to learn how to do that.”