Onward and upward
Colby Ambrosio is set for the next chapter in his hockey career.
The 17-year-old Welland native is slated to attend Boston College on a scholarship this fall where he will major in business, after spending the last two seasons with the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League.
“Everything is all set for this fall,” the 5-foot-9, 165-pound centre said. “I’m so excited. I’ve been committed there for a while and the year has finally come. I’m pretty excited to be with all the guys.”
Ambrosio, who was selected in the fourth round of the Ontario Hockey League draft by the Ottawa 67’s in 2018 despite the fact he made it clear he was committed to the USHL, hasn’t had the worry of where he was going to end up for quite some time now.
“It takes a lot of stress off me, a lot of weight off my shoulders knowing I don’t have to focus on where I’m going next,” he said. “I know I’ll be at Boston College and it’s been like that for three or four years now.”
Ambrosio showed well in two seasons with the Storm, collecting 12 goals and 24 points in his first season, and following that up with 26 goals this year.
“It started off pretty good. The team was doing really well after Christmas. I had 50 points in 48 games and I enjoyed it,” he said.
He feels his game grew in his two seasons in the USHL.
“I think (I made) a lot (of progress). It helped to have one year under my belt and coming in with more confidence helped for sure,” he said.
Ambrosio is confident his time with the Storm will help him adjust as moves up another rung on the hockey ladder.
“For sure. Obviously it helped me out a lot because in the USHL you play against guys who are three years older. It’s going to be the same in college so that will help.”
Ambrosio’s game has caught the eye of the scouts. He was ranked as the 71st North American skater by National Hockey League Central Scouting for the 2020 draft.
“I tried not to pay too much attention to it while the season was going on but obviously it’s an accomplishment, for sure,” he said. “It’s something I’ve been working for since I was a little kid so it’s nice to see my name there, but I have to keep working.”
Ambrosio is well aware he will need to develop his overall game as moves up.
“It’s really tough. You have to stick with your game and keep working on new things every day. When you’re younger, there are players who aren’t as developed but as you get older you have to keep working towards goals and keep working to be better.”
With everything on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambrosio is stuck at home trying to keep in shape as best as he can.
“I miss it so much,” he said.
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