Ambrosio proud to wear the Maple Leaf
Colby Ambrosio can’t wait to see how he stacks up against the best of the best.
The 16-year-old Welland native was recently selected to represent Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Nov. 3-10 in New Brunswick.
“It’s definitely something I’m looking forward to, to see how I can play with the guys who are the best ’02s in the world,” he said. “It will for sure be a challenge but it’s something I am open to and to see how I rank against them and take it back to my team and see what I can do.
“It will help my overall development for sure. These are the best of the best. You don’t get worse playing against the best, you only get better.”
Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red, Team Canada White will represent the host country and compete against the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden and the United States for the gold medal at the international tournament.
Games will be played in Saint John and Quispamsis, which will receive net proceeds from all ticket sales to support hockey in their communities.
Ambrosio was selected following camps in Kitchener and Calgary, a process which began back in May.
“When I was invited to Calgary, then I knew I was good enough to be there,” he said. “When I got to Calgary, I put it all on the line and worked my best.”
Ambrosio is eager to play for his country and is well aware of the responsibilities that come with representing Canada.
“It’s something I’ve been dreaming of since I was a little kid, watching all those great players put on the Canada jersey,” he said. “Honestly, putting on the Canadian jersey is going to be an honour and I can’t wait. It’s going to be the best feeling I’ve ever had in my life.
“I know it comes with a lot of responsibilities, on and off the ice. You have to be respectful at all times and be a good teammate and just be mature.”
Ambrosio, a 5-foot-9, 165-pound centre, is in his first season with the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League. He was selected in the fourth round of the Ontario Hockey League draft by the Ottawa 67’s despite the fact he made it clear he was committed to the USHL.
Ambrosio is fourth in team scoring so far with three goals and five points in eight games.
“I’m really satisfied. I like the team and the coaching staff,” he said. “They really stress it’s about development and getting better. I definitely feel I made the right choice because they are starting to develop me into the player they think I can be and I’m starting to improve as the games go on.”
The USHL features players in age range from 16-20.
“It’s going to help me a lot because they are way bigger and stronger and have longer reach. It’s going to help me out in the long run, for sure,” he said.
The Storm are located in Kearney, Neb., a small town of about 33,000.
Ambrosio takes three classes at a local high school, then heads to the rink for a workout, video and practice each day.
“It’s a very friendly environment. All the people are very nice,” he said. “I like it here so far. I have nothing but good things to say about it.”
Ambrosio is already committed to Boston College for the 2020 season.
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