BE PROUD. LAVAL
Laval Talent Shines in the USPHL: Calandriello, Funaro, and L'Écuyer Lighting Up the Scoreboard
SPEED.CA is proud to spotlight three standout players who are making waves in the USPHL this season: Alessandro Calandriello, Michael Funaro and Zack L'Écuyer. Born in Laval, Quebec, these players have deep roots in the local hockey community, having honed their skills in their early years with Montéuil and Laval Est Rangers before moving on to compete at the AAA level with Hockey Laval.
This season, Calandriello and Funaro have been an unstoppable force on the ice, sharing the same line from the very start. Their chemistry was immediate, and they’ve only grown stronger as the season has progressed. Joining them on the line is another Laval-born talent, Zack L'Écuyer, creating a trio that has become one of the most dynamic and productive units in the USPHL New England Division.
Together, this trio has put up an astonishing 142 points in just 27 games, showcasing not only their individual talent but also their incredible teamwork and on-ice vision. Watching both Calandriello and Funaro, along with L'Écuyer’s versatility, is a reminder of the incredible hockey development coming out of the Montreal Knights and Quartier Hockey.
Their success this season is also a reflection of the support from their teammates and the guidance of the coaching staff. Every player on the Knights roster has stepped up, giving their best in every shift, every game, and it’s that collective effort that has fueled the team’s success. Calandriello, Funaro, and L'Écuyer shine brightly, but they do so alongside a group of players and coaches who push each other to be better every day making this season truly a team achievement.
This year, the Knights have set their sights on a historic goal: to become the first-ever Canadian team to compete for and win the USPHL National Championship. Every practice, every game, and every line combination including the dynamic trio of Calandriello, Funaro, and L'Écuyer is part of a larger vision: building a team capable of making history. The ambition is high, and the commitment from players and staff alike shows that this team is ready to chase that milestone with everything they’ve got.
The impact of the junior team’s success is also being felt across the entire Knights organization. The other Knights teams (J18 USPHL & U16's) are feeding off this momentum, performing exceptionally well in both the NAPHL and United Tier 1 leagues. Their strong performances are not only helping the players develop but are also enhancing the Knights brand, showing that excellence and dedication are hallmarks of every level of the Knights program. The energy, skill, and teamwork across all Knights teams reflect the culture they are building.
As they continue their journey, all eyes are on entire roster to see how far they can take the Knights. It’s not just about points, it’s about work ethic, determination, unity, and a shared dream of making history.
At the heart of this success is the leadership of Head Coach Dom Marsico, whose vision, structure, and standards have set the tone for the entire program. Coach Marsico has created an environment built on accountability, discipline, and confidence, allowing players to grow individually while fully committing to team-first hockey.
Supporting him are assistant coaches Mario Lisio and Anthoni Dagher, whose attention to detail, player development focus, and constant communication have been instrumental throughout the season. Together, this coaching staff has fostered a culture where players are prepared, motivated, and trusted to perform at their highest level when it matters most.
Blog inspired by content from speed.ca