Pittsburgh Review

Noel Acciari was named the Penguins' 2024-25 Unsung Hero, an award that acknowledges the contributions of players who put in enormous effort but often go unnoticed. This accolade, which Acciari received with gratitude, highlighted his constant dedication to the team.

Penguins goalie Alex Nedeljkovic shared his thoughts on voting for Acciari: “I mean, for me, it was a no-brainer.” The sentiment was echoed by others in the group. Head Coach Mike Sullivan remarked on Acciari’s value, emphasizing roles that are essential yet frequently unacknowledged. “I think a lot of his contributions don't always show up on the highlight reel, or they don't show up on the scoresheet,” Sullivan said. “Those are the thankless jobs that we're talking about.”

Acciari, enthusiastic about his contributions, mentioned, “I appreciate all these guys, and that means a lot to me. I would do anything for any one of these guys.” His performance on defending duties and willingness to play wherever needed is evident through his impressive statistics, leading the team in hits and blocked shots.

Acciari’s defensive prowess is especially notable on the penalty kill, where he consistently handles critical situations. Sullivan emphasized his capability in such roles, stating, “We put him in tough spots. He gets a lot of D zone starts against other team’s top lines, and if he doesn't win the faceoff, he defends hard.”

His drive is also evident in his approach to the sport, highlighting his defensive-first mentality. “I take it personal getting scored on, and I want to make sure for me, defense first,” said Acciari, while acknowledging the importance of scoring as well. Acciari stated the essence of his strategy: “For me, it's blocking shots, making hits, getting out of the zone quick, and chipping in when you can at times.”

Acciari's ability to maintain his level of play throughout the season is attributed to the work of the medical and training staff, a fact he humorously acknowledges. “They do a great job of keeping me coming right back out. And that's a big, big part of it,” he said about their support.

Relationships with teammates are also a highlight of Acciari’s impact. Acciari’s teammate, Bryan Rust, noted his significance both on and off the ice, appreciating his positive nature. “On the ice, for us, it's really apparent. He does a thankless job,” remarked Rust, also praising Acciari’s presence off the rink. Alex Nedeljkovic mirrored this sentiment, describing Acciari as “an honest and genuine person,” reiterating his influence in and out of games.