More than two years have passed since Michael Dal Colle heard his name called at the Wells Fargo Center by Islanders’ general manager Garth Snow. Since that time, Dal Colle has worked on his game and physique to make sure his lifelong dream of playing in the NHL becomes a reality.
The roller-coaster ride to becoming a regular in the NHL doesn’t happen overnight. The blood, sweat, and tears of being selected fifth overall, was only the beginning for 6’3’’ forward.
Dal Colle has bulked up a lot since his draft day back in 2014. “I had just turned 18 when I got drafted,” said Dal Colle. “I think I was only 180 pounds when I was drafted; now I’m about 200 [pounds].”
After winning the Memorial Cup with the Oshawa Generals at the conclusion of the 2014-2015 season, Dal Colle was shipped to the Kingston Frontenacs the following season. In 30 regular season games with Kingston, Dal Colle was showing his versatility, registering 27 goals and 28 assists. Dal Colle wasn’t done there though; the Richmond Hill, Ontario native was a force in the postseason with 18 points in only nine games before Kingston was eliminated.
Shortly thereafter, Dal Colle’s journey continued as he joined the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in their quest for the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs.
Although he didn’t score in the regular season, Dal Colle recorded an assist in a three-game sweep by the Marlies for his first professional point.
Despite his high selection and success in the OHL, Dal Colle is taking each day at a time now that he’s playing professionally. Seeing young prospects like Mathew Barzal and Anthony Beauvillier already playing in the NHL isn’t distracting Dal Colle from his main goal, getting better each and every shift. “It’s my first year pro,” said Dal Colle. “I’m doing whatever I can to eventually get there. I’m just looking to develop and grow my game.”
In Dal Colle’s third game this season with Bridgeport, he scored his first professional goal against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on a 2-on-1, assisted by Josh Ho-Sang. The goal put the Sound Tigers up 3-1, and was the eventual game-winning goal. as the Sound Tigers won their first road game of the season 5-2.
There is no timetable for when he will receive the phone call that every player envisions receiving, but Dal Colle continues to impress and knock on the door waiting for his opportunity.
The post Michael Dal Colle’s Journey To Professional Hockey appeared first on Islanders Insight.
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