Ash’s Film Room: 118th overall selection, Colby Ambrosio

A Welland, Ontario native, offensive-minded center Colby Ambrosio put in a pretty decent draft-eligible year for Tri-City in the USHL. He finished second in goals (26) and ranked fourth in points behind the big trio from Chicago (Colangelo, Brisson and Farrell) with 50 through 48 games. To simplify, that’s pretty good company.

Ambrosio managed to be just one of seven prospects to average a point-per-game in the USHL this season, so that’s neat. Oh and he was also the youngest to do so by 50 days or so. So is there a catch here?

I had Ambrosio ranked 119th overall, just one spot in variation to his draft position. Hepple and co. rightfully took a gamble (within range) on a kid that has shown some good offensive flashes, all be it with a fair chunk of work to do both in terms of skill and strength. He’s also one of the youngest prospects in the entire class (August 2002 birthday) so there is some maturation to come, but he’s still very raw in terms of his development.

The Goal Scoring Is Good

Netting 26 tucks isn’t easy, nor should be scoffed at. Ambrosio’s ability to score from close to mid-range is pretty spectacular. For a kid who stands 5’9″ and tips the scales at around 170 pounds, he can really rip it. He doesn’t boast a sexy shot by any means, and while there is no Ovechkin-esque hands extension or Crosby-like backhand ability, he just gets it done. Ambrosio leans into his shot and generates a lot of torque with his bottom hand and lower body movements, making for a hard shot with a deceptively quick release.