Rockets’ De Simone Named USPHL Elite Fans Choice Defenseman Of The Year
By Joshua Boyd / USPHL.com
Anthony De Simone is proud to have been a member of the Rockets Hockey Club for every year of this decade, originally joining the Bridgewater, N.J.-based organization as a 14U player. Great friendships, memories and great games abound for the 2004-born native of Staten Island, N.Y.
Now, he moves on from the Rockets – and from competitive hockey – as an award-winner. De Simone was selected by the public as the USPHL Elite Fans Choice Defenseman Of The Year. He was also, in the spring, selected by coaches to the USPHL Elite Atlantic All-Division Team.
“Being named Fans Choice Defenseman of the Year means a lot to me, especially knowing it was voted on by the public. I’ve been playing hockey since I was 4 years old, and to finish my final season with this kind of recognition is incredibly meaningful,” said De Simone. “It shows that the hard work, dedication, and passion I’ve put into the game over the years have truly resonated with fans. It’s a humbling way to close out this chapter of my hockey journey.”
De Simone played a hard-nosed, physical two-way game that obviously endeared him to onlookers in the stands as well as the coaches around the league. De Simone’s three-year Elite career began in 2021-22, when he split the season between the Elite squad and the Rockets’ Atlantic Hockey Federation 18U team.
He put in 87 games of regular season service for the Rockets, scoring 42 points. He also added 10 playoff games and a goal scored during a journey that saw him join the Rockets at the 2024 USPHL National Championships in Utica, N.Y.
“My development with the Rockets Hockey Club was huge for me, both on and off the ice. From the first time I put on the Rockets jersey to my final game, I grew a lot as a player and a person,” said De Simone. “I became more confident with the puck, more responsible in my own zone, and learned how to be a leader on the team. My coaches pushed me to elevate my game every day, and I think I matured in how I saw the game, reading plays better, making smarter decisions, and playing with more consistency. I’m proud of the player I became with the Rockets and grateful for everything the program gave me.”
He would certainly recommend the Rockets to any player. In his experience, not only did his game and confidence improve, but he was part of a very large hockey family and a winning culture.
“The Rockets organization has meant everything to me. Having played with them from 14U all the way through the end of my junior career, they’ve been a second home and a huge part of my growth,” he added. “The coaches, staff, and teammates have all played a role in shaping me into the player and person I am today. The organization has always pushed for development, accountability, and playing the game the right way, and I’m proud to have represented the Rockets for so many years.
“Looking back, I’m incredibly thankful for the journey and the memories I’ve made wearing that jersey,” De Simone added.
As happy as he has been with his time with the Rockets, he’s also excited to move into the next phase of his life as a hard-working man, who’ll do everything he can to keep his skates to the ice for fun.
“Now that my time with the Rockets and the USPHL Elite has come to an end, I’ve shifted my focus to my career as a full-time mechanic,” De Simone said. “Hockey will always be a part of my life, and I’ll keep playing and training when I can, whether it’s in men’s league or just staying active on the ice. I’m still working on staying strong, maintaining my speed and conditioning, and keeping my skills sharp. Even though I’m no longer playing at the junior level, I still want to be the best version of myself as a player and carry that same work ethic and discipline into everything I do moving forward.”
The USPHL congratulates Anthony De Simone for his Fans Choice Award.