Isles Info:
2006-07 Update: April
1, 2007: Jeremy Colliton missed the entire
month of March (14 games) with the Bridgeport Sound
Tigers due to a shoulder injury which originally
occurred back in January. He has missed the last 15
games with the injury dating back to Feb. 25th. He has
struggled offensively and with injuries in his sophomore
season with Bridgeport. The Sound Tigers posted a 5-8-1
record in March without Colliton. On Mar. 24th the Sound
Tigers announced that Colliton would miss the rest of
the 2006-07 season with a torn labrum in his right
shoulder that would need surgery to repair.
March
1, 2007: Jeremy Colliton went 2-3-5 in 11 games
played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month
of February. He returned to the Sound Tigers lineup on
Feb. 7th after missing 12 games with a strained rotator
cuff he suffered back on Jan. 5th. Colliton recorded all
his points on a 4 game point scoring streak (2g,3a) from
Feb. 9th to 16th. He had a multiple point game,
including an empty net goal, on Feb. 9th in a 4-2 win
vs. the Hershey Bears. Colliton assisted on the
game-winner on Feb. 11th in a 5-3 win vs. the Binghamton
Senators. His other goal was the first of the game on
Feb. 16th vs. Lowell. Colliton went scoreless in 6 games
to end the month of February. He missed Bridgeport's
game on Feb. 25th vs. Hartford with a sore shoulder.
Colliton changed his number with the Sound Tigers from
#23 to #27, the same number he wore with the Islanders.
Bridgeport posted a record of 8-7-0 in February.
February 1, 2007: Jeremy Colliton played in only
1 game with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month
of January. In the first period of Bridgeport's Jan. 5th
game at Albany, Colliton left with a strained rotator
cuff after going for a loose puck. He returned back to
practice during the final week of January, but missed
the rest of Bridgeport's schedule in January for a total
of 9 games.
January 1, 2007: Jeremy Colliton went 5-2-7 in 13
games played for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the
month of December. He had a 7 game point scoring streak
in which he went 6-5-11 from Nov. 26th to Dec. 16th. He
also had a 5 game goal scoring streak (5 goals) from
Nov. 26th to Dec. 6th. Colliton scored an overtime game winning goal while the
Sound Tigers were shorthanded on Dec. 2nd at Lowell. He
scored a goal and an assist while shorthanded during the
month. He struggled defensively though at times as
Colliton was a -9 in December. He was a -3 twice and a
-5 in Bridgeport's 7-3 home loss to Albany on Dec. 31st.
During his hot streak, Colliton was called up to the
Islanders on Dec. 4th and suited up for his first NHL
game of the 2006-07 season vs. the Ottawa Senators on
Dec. 5th. He was on the ice for 6 shifts and a total of
4:40, recording 2 hits and was a -1. Colliton was
returned to Bridgeport on Dec. 6th and did not miss a
game with the Sound Tigers.
December 1, 2006: Jeremy Colliton went 2-4-6 in 13
games played for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the
month of November. Before recording an assist in a game
November 17th, Colliton had gone 12 games without a
point dating back to the second game of the season on
October 13th. When Colliton scored his 2nd goal of the
season on November 26th, it snapped a 16 game drought in
which he didn't score a goal. He finished the month of November with 5
points in his last 2 games played, which included 4
points in a 6-3 win vs. Norfolk on November 29th. Four
of Colliton's 6 points during the month came on the
power play (1g, 3a).
November 1, 2006: Jeremy Colliton has had a bit of a
slow start to his sophomore season with the Sound
Tigers, recording only 2 points in his first 7 games.
Both points, a goal and an assist, came in the Sound
Tigers second game of the season, a 6-3 win at the
Hartford Wolf Pack. He had a pretty good preseason
recording a two goal game vs. Albany in a 4-3 overtime
win on September 30th at The Rinks at Shelton.
2006-07 Highlights
* Named third star
with 1 goal (PP) & 3 assists in 6-3 win vs. Norfolk
Admirals November 29, 2006.
* Named second star with OT GW goal (SH) in 3-2 win at
Lowell Devils December 2, 2006.
* Named second star with 1 goal & 1 assist in 3-2 OT
win vs. Binghamton Senators December 6, 2006.
* Named second star with a goal in 2-1 OT win vs.
Manchester Monarchs December 23, 2006.
* Named second star with a goal in 4-1 win vs. Lowell
Devils February 16, 2007.
Colliton costly loss
for Sound Tigers
by Michael Fornabaio, connpost.com, Mar. 26, 2007
BRIDGEPORT — Only
one word sums up what Bridgeport Sound Tigers coach Dan
Marshall will miss about Jeremy Colliton:
"everything."
Colliton will miss the
rest of the season with a torn labrum in his right
shoulder. The second-year centerman could undergo
surgery as soon as Friday in New York. "You want to
avoid surgery if you can," Colliton said. "At
the same time, we didn't want to keep pushing it
back."
Colliton first injured
the shoulder attemptig a bodycheck on the first shift of
a Jan. 5 game at Albany. He got stronger by the
beginning of February and returned for 11 games that
month, including the first seven of Bridgeport's insane
stretch of eight games in 10 days. He sat out the
eighth.
"The first game I
sat out, it was kind of like it deteriorated,"
Colliton said. "I thought it was a matter of too
many games in too many nights."
Still, Colliton was
prepared to play that following Friday, March 2.
"Thursday, I was in," Colliton said.
"After Thursday's practice, I just didn't feel good
again. We decided to give it another week. I came back
to practice Monday and Tuesday, and it wasn't any
better, so we decided to get an MRI."
That was when the tear
first appeared, though the team called it tendinitis at
first. When rest did nothing to improve it, Colliton was
shut down. It's a blow to the heart of the Sound Tigers'
forward corps, depriving the team of a top centerman, a
key penalty killer and an alternate captain. "His
leadership, his two-way play, his grit" will be
missed, Marshall said. "You just don't replace him.
Other guys have done a great job in those roles, but you
don't replace a guy like that."
Rehab could take four
to six months. Colliton is expected to be ready for the
start of next season, depending on what doctors find
when they actually cut. "It kind of depends on how
bad it is," Colliton said, "and everybody
heals differently."
The Sound Tigers will
play their final 23 games without him. "It's kind
of hard to stomach that he's not in the lineup every
day," Marshall said. "You want to believe in
players, and he's one player you want to believe can get
you there."
Colliton closer to
Sound Tigers' return
by Michael Fornabaio,
connpost.com, Jan. 25, 2007
BRIDGEPORT — As his
Bridgeport Sound Tigers teammates prepare for a tough
weekend against Hartford and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Jeremy
Colliton gets a bit closer every day to rejoining
them.
Colliton has been out
since Jan. 5, when he strained his right rotator cuff in
a first-shift collision at Albany. He's back at
practice, and the team hopes he can return to play next
week when the Sound Tigers go on a three-game road swing
through New England. "Not bad. Some days are better
than others," Colliton said. "It's just nice
to be back on the ice."
Colliton suffered the
injury going for a loose puck; the shoulder just got
jammed as a River Rat won the race.
He returned to
practice this week. Thursday, he stayed on the ice late,
playing a spirited game of two-on-two with Tomas Malec
against Peter Ferraro and assistant coach Bernie Cassell.
Still, he hasn't returned to full contact; taking a hard
pass is tough, and reaching for pucks is also difficult.
So, he'll have to watch tonight at Hartford and Saturday
against the Penguins. "It's frustrating. You want
to help the team," Colliton said. "But the
guys have been playing really well, which is exciting.
Hopefully, we're going to be playing a lot of important
games the last three months here. I want to be ready for
them."
SOUND TIGERS WIN
ANOTHER OT THRILLER
soundtigers.com, Dec. 6, 2006
Tambellini scored on a
high wrist shot after he took a feed from Comeau on a
two-on-one break just after the Sound Tigers killed off
a Binghamton power play. Tambellini's goal extended his
point streak to 10 games and Jeremy Colliton, who
scored in the second period for the Sound Tigers, ran
his goal-scoring streak to five games. Colliton also
assisted on Comeau's goal.
The Sound Tigers
overcame two Binghamton leads as Brian Maloney and Bobby
Robins scored for the Senators. Binghamton goaltender
Jeff Glass, who blanked the Sound Tigers 1-0 in the
previous meeting on Nov. 24, had his shutout bid broken
when Colliton crashed the net to jam home a loose puck
at 12:33 of the second period.
Each of Bridgeport's
last two wins ended in 3-2 overtime triumphs; the Sound
Tigers won at Lowell on Saturday on Colliton's
shorthanded goal. The Sound Tigers have been to overtime
in nine of their 23 games and have won their last two
home contests.
Points down, but
Colliton doing his job
by Michael Fornabaio, connpost.com, Nov. 30, 2006
SHELTON — The
numbers puzzle Jeremy Colliton a bit: two goals and two
assists as the season nears the first-quarter mark?
While he remains the Sound Tigers' top penalty killer
and a frequent power-play member, the numbers — at
least before his four-point outburst in a 6-3 win over
Norfolk on Wednesday — haven't been there the way they
were in his rookie season. "In my mind, the first
part of last year to the same point this year, I've had
way more chances (this year)," said Colliton, 21,
before Wednesday's game. "For whatever reason, they
haven't been going in."
Colliton looked
relieved Sunday as he scored his first goal on home ice,
and his first overall since Oct. 13. The reaction might
have been even stronger if it got Bridgeport closer than
5-3 with just minutes to play. Or then again, maybe it
wouldn't. Even in Colliton's offensive drought, he
hasn't tried to change anything, hasn't gone outside his
strengths as a two-way centerman, to try to add to his
numbers.
And for that, coach
Dan Marshall is grateful. "He's playing (the team's
systems) to a T," Marshall said. "He gets it.
As a whole, once the team gets it, we're going to thrive
as a team."
Colliton's poise last
year made the New York Islanders' 2003 second-round pick
a premier member of a team that overcame early adversity
to make the playoffs. He quickly became a top-line
centerman, usually between Sean Bergenheim and Robert
Nilsson in the second half. He scored 53 points in 66
AHL games, earning several NHL recalls and finishing the
year with the Islanders. "It's everybody's dream
growing up. I learned a lot," Colliton said.
"It really helped me as a player. I've got a lot
more confidence in myself that I can play at that
level."
By this time last year
with the Sound Tigers, he had eight points, including
four goals, and he spent Thanksgiving in the NHL. But he
had done that on just 26 shots; this year, going into
Wednesday's game against Norfolk, he had 43. This year's
lines haven't been as well defined. Like most Sound
Tigers, Colliton has played with a bunch of different
players. Even that, he says, hasn't changed his game.
"I don't think I've played much different than I
played last year," Colliton said. "I'm not
panicking. I'm not going to change who I am. I'm not
going to do that."
His maturity helped
earn him an honor at the start of the season, when the
Sound Tigers made him an alternate captain, an honor
that usually falls to a veteran. Though the only real
power to the "A" is the right to consult with
the referee, its symbolic value is much stronger.
"It's a huge honor," Colliton said. "You
look at the older guys we have on our team, they've
supported me the way they have: I owe a lot to them.
"Still, I'm learning about the pro game. It's still
my second year. I've got a lot to learn. Again, I'm not
going to change who I am."
Marshall wants
Colliton to continue to get stronger. "The gist is,
he's not doing anything wrong. He's doing everything
right," Marshall said. "That's the leadership
we're looking for in the future."
Colliton and the rest
of the young Sound Tigers have struggled to find the net
at times through two months. Still, there are four and a
half months to go, 60 games and plenty of time. "It
means," Colliton said, "I've got a lot of
goals left." The Colliton file
AGE — 21
VITALS — 6-foot-2,
195 pounds
POSITION — Center
SHOOTS — Right
RESUME — Youngest
permanent alternate captain the Sound Tigers have had.
... Top-line centerman had two goals and two assists
going into Wednesday. ... Top penalty killer,
responsible defensive player. ... Scored 53 points last
year for Bridgeport and played 19 NHL games for the New
York Islanders.
Sound Tigers' power
play comes through
by Michael Fornabaio, connpost.com, Nov. 30, 2006
BRIDGEPORT — Through
the first quarter of the season, the Bridgeport Sound
Tigers' power play has too often not worked. It went
into Wednesday last in the AHL.
It's funny how much
different the Sound Tigers look when the power play
clicks the way it did Wednesday. And when it clicks,
goals usually come in bunches.
Two power-play goals
in the first period built a lead, and two more on a
major in the third helped put away a 6-3 victory over
Norfolk at the Arena at Harbor Yard. Bridgeport hadn't
won a game in regulation in its first seven home games,
taking just a shootout decision. "There was a
little more focus in this building," coach Dan
Marshall said. "I think the guys were prepared,
mentally focused."
The power play in
particular buried Norfolk, going 4-for-10. The unit was
16-for-128 coming in; now, of Bridgeport's 20 power-play
goals, 14 have come in five games, including two games
with three PPGs. Wednesday, players went hard to the
net, and a new tweak to the five-on-three put Drew Fata
in front to act as a screen. The power play scored four
times. "We were able to win the puck better along
the boards," said Jeremy Colliton, whose four
points matched his total for the first 19 games.
"So, we have the puck more. We've got some talented
guys, and if we have the puck more, get guys to the net,
good things happen."
Attendance was 2,424.
It had been a tense 2-1 game from late in the first
period to the beginning of the third. Then, David
Bolland's stick clipped Frans Nielsen in the mouth,
drawing blood, an automatic major penalty. And then
Danny Richmond got his glove into Steve Regier's face,
picking up a minor for roughing.
With the two-man
advantage, Chris Campoli rifled Jeff Tambellini's feed
through Fata's screen and over Sebastien Caron's glove
for a 3-1 lead. Only 24 seconds later, Colliton slid the
puck to the front, where Sergei Ogorodnikov was cruising
in.
"It's a streaky
thing," said assistant coach Joe Ferras, who
coaches the power play. "We have to keep throwing
pucks to the net, make sure to sacrifice the body, make
the big hit."
Peter Ferraro had a
goal and two assists. Jeff Tambellini had a goal and an
assist. Colliton's goal made it 5-2, and Wade
Dubielewicz earned his third career assist thanks to
Rick Berry's lead pass. Robert Nilsson (back), Johan
Halvardsson (hip flexor) and Brandon Cullen (concussion)
were scratched for the Sound Tigers. Three of Norfolk's
top four scorers were on recall. Norfolk defenseman Cam
Barker scored his first pro goal on a rebound with 5:40
to play.
excerpt from Patience
pays off for Islanders
by Shane Malloy, foxsports.com,
Oct. 18, 2006
Jeremy Colliton, Center,
21 (second round, 58th overall pick in 2003) currently
with Bridgeport (AHL)
Colliton has done more
than expected so far in Bridgeport and should make a
serious run at a roster spot next year. He's a
workman-like two-way center who has some offensive
ability but will make his career on hard work and
desire. Expect him to become a valuable third-line
center, especially in the playoffs.
excerpt
from New England Hockey Journal
October 1, 2006
Jeremy
Colliton, C
Big (6-2, 205) meat-and-potatoes center had a solid AHL
debut with Bridgeport last season (21 goals, 53 points
in 66 games) and even saw 19 games with the big club
(1G, 1A). While not overly quick or skilled, he's smart,
physical and rules the boards and slot area with his
puck possession and opportunistic play.
Sound Tigers
Notebook
Oct. 1, 2006
STRONG RETURN — Two
days after coming down to the Sound Tigers from the New
York Islanders, Jeremy Colliton was in midseason form
Friday.
Colliton scored two
goals in the Sound Tigers' exhibition victory and was as
solid on special teams as he was last year as the Sound
Tigers' top-line centerman. "It feels good,"
the second-year pro said. "You want to win. You
want to score goals and play well."
Colliton and his
teammates trailed 3-0 after one period but began a
comeback late in the second. He scored the first goal on
a power play, then tied the game at even strength 15
seconds into the third. "Hopefully I'm not using
them all up before the season," said Colliton, who
played in one NHL exhibition game before coming down.
2005-06 Update:
May 1, 2006 Update:
Colliton was called up to the Islanders on April 4th
and spent the rest of the season with the big club. In 8
games played he went 1-1-2. He scored his first NHL goal
on April 15, 2006 in a 5-4 shootout win vs. the
Pittsburgh Penguins. His first NHL assist came in a 4-1
loss vs. the Philadelphia Flyers on April 18, 2006.
Colliton recorded an assist in 2 games played with
Bridgeport during the month of April. He was a -4
combined in those two April game and finished a -4 on
the season with Bridgeport. He was a +2 in his 19 games
with the Islanders. He finished 14th among rookies in
scoring in the AHL with 53 points in 66 games played.
Colliton was returned to Bridgeport on April 19th for
their playoff series against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Playoffs: Colliton did
not have a very good series vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Centering a line with Sean Bergenheim and Robert
Nilsson, Colliton recorded only an assist in 6 games
played and was a -3. He unfortunately had to miss game 7
of the series due to the death of his grandmother. The
Sound Tigers lost the game 5-4 and lost the series 4
games to 3. Overall Colliton had a very good season with
the Sound Tigers and played well for the Islanders,
especially in April. He should continue to develop into
a solid all around player for the Islanders with third
line center potential in the NHL.
Snippets from
Connpost.com: "We can't worry that we were up
2-0," said Jeremy Colliton, who was good in both
ends for Bridgeport. "We're in a battle. That's why
you play, to be in a series like this. They're a
first-place team. We've got to raise our level. I think
we will."
Colliton began the
season playing beyond his years, and now he seems like a
veteran at center in both ends of the ice. He played
well defensively in the playoff series and was always
the first man called upon in key penalty kill
situations, especially when down 5 on 3. "He's been
everything we expected," Baseggio said, "and
then some."
April 1, 2006
Update: Colliton went 6-4-10 in 8 games played
during the month of March with the Bridgeport Sound
Tigers. For the last two months he has been averaging
better than a point per game. He also got into 6 games
with the Islanders and was held scoreless while mostly
getting fourth line duty. Colliton was recalled to the
Islanders during the month of March on three different
occasions. He was called up March 2nd and played vs. New
Jersey. He was then re-assigned on March 3rd. Colliton
was called up again on March 15th and played in three
straight road games: March 16th at Atlanta, March 17th
at Florida and March 19th at Tampa Bay. He was
re-assigned on March 21st when Mike York returned to the
Islanders lineup from a mild concussion. Colliton was
recalled a third time on March 25th and played in two
games: March 25th vs. Atlanta and March 28th at
Montreal. He was re-assigned on March 29th. Colliton is
currently third on the Sound Tigers in scoring behind
Rob Collins and Jeff Tambellini(who scored all his AHL
points this season with Manchester). Colliton had a four
game point scoring streak from March 4th to 11th and
went 3-3-6 in that span. He was a -7 on the month of
March.
March 1, 2006
Update: Colliton went 4-8-12 in 10 games played
during the month of February. He now has 42 points on
the season. Jeremy is definitely a candidate to graduate
to Long Island full time in 2006-07. He hasn't seen much
ice time with the Islanders this season in his brief
call ups. Colliton was called up to the Islanders for a
February 2, 2006 game vs. the New York Rangers. The
Islanders lost 5-2 and Colliton took a hooking penalty
in the game. He was returned to Bridgeport on February
3rd but did not take part in their game that night at
the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, a 4-3 loss. He also
missed the game on February 4th vs. Providence. Returned
to Bridgeport lineup on February 10th. Had a three game
point scoring streak from Feb. 10th to 12th going 1-5-6.
Also had a four game point scoring streak from Feb. 17th
to Feb. 22nd going 2-3-5. Since Colliton has been
combined at center on a line with Robert Nilsson and
Sean Bergenheim midway through February his offense has
increased.
February 1, 2006
Update: Colliton went 3-6-9 in 13 games played
during the month of January. He is currently tied for
third in scoring on the Sound Tigers with 30 points and
leads the team with a +10 plus/minus rating. Colliton
scored the game winning goal 17 seconds into overtime in
a 3-2 win at the Lowell Lock Monsters on January 14,
2006. Scored the game winning shootout goal in a 4-3 win
at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on January 25,
2006.
* Was called up to the
Islanders on December 17, 2005 and played in the
Islanders 5-4 win vs. the Colorado Avalanche. Almost
scored an early goal off a pass from fellow Bridgeport
teammate Rob Collins who was making his NHL debut. He
also dressed in the Islanders 9-6 loss in Toronto
December 19, 2005. Colliton was returned to the
AHL on December 20, 2005.
* Was called up to the
Islanders on November 22, 2005 to take the place of
injured Shawn Bates who was placed on injured reserve.
Made his NHL debut November 23, 2005 in a 4-3 shootout
loss to the Buffalo Sabres at the Nassau Coliseum. Also
played against the Ottawa Senators on November 25, 2005,
a 6-2 loss at the Coliseum. Was returned to the Sound
Tigers on November 26, 2005 and scored a goal against
the Phantoms in Philadelphia. The Sound Tigers lost the
game 5-3, the same day the Islanders beat the Flyers in
Philadelphia 4-1 behind a Jason Blake hat trick.
Colliton has scored a goal and two assists in 2 games
since his return.
* Named first star
with 2 goals(2 PP) in 5-4 OT win vs. Hershey Bears March
29, 2006.
* Named first star
with 2 goals(PP, SH, GW) and an assist in 5-2 win at
Norfolk Admirals March 11, 2006.
* Named third star
with a goal and 2 assists, +3, in 5-2 win at Hershey
Bears February 11, 2006.
* Named third star
with 2 assists in 4-1 win at the Philadelphia Phantoms
December 30, 2005.
* Named second star
with a goal in 2-1 win vs. the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Penguins Dec. 21, 2005.
* Named third star
with a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win vs. the Lowell
Lock Monsters Dec. 16, 2005.
* Scored a goal in a
3-2 win at the Albany River Rats on Nov. 7, 2005 and
was named third star.
* Scored his first two
AHL goals on October 7, 2005 in a 7-4 win at Norfolk.
* Made AHL debut in
8-1 Bridgeport loss at Wilkes-Barre Scranton on October
5, 2005. Wears #23.
SHORTHANDED SOUND
TIGERS BEAT BEARS 5-2
Earn first win of season in Hershey
February 11, 2005 - SoundTigers.com
Sean Bergenheim, who
had two goals and three points in Friday's victory over
Lowell, notched his team-leading 18th and 19th goals to
open the scoring. Bergenheim made 1-0 with his second
shorthanded marker in as many games off an assist from
Jeremy Colliton at 6:03 and doubled the lead to 2-0 with
a backhand swat of the rebound of a Jeff Hamilton shot
at 12:06 with Colliton collecting his second helper on
the play.
Daubenspeck stopped
four of five shots in 7:11 of relief work, but Hershey
returned Cassivi to the net to start the second period.
However, Colliton grabbed a loose puck and threw home
his 12th goal of the season off an assist from
Bergenheim just 28 seconds into the middle frame upping
the lead to 5-0.
Bergenheim was the
first star, Cloutier the second and Colliton the third.
Cloutier made 19 of his 43 saves in the final frame as
Hershey outshot the Sound Tigers 21-8 in the third
period en route to a 43-27 advantage. The Sound Tigers
were 1 for 9 on the power play and 8 for 8 on the
penalty kill. Cassivi finished the game with 18 stops.
JEREMY COLLITON
RECALLED BY ISLANDERS
Joins big club for home game vs. Rangers
February 2, 2006 - SoundTigers.com
BRIDGEPORT, CT - The
American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, top
affiliate of the National Hockey League's New York
Islanders, have announced the recall of forward Jeremy
Colliton by the big club. Colliton is scheduled to join
the Islanders for their home game versus the New York
Rangers.
This will be the
fourth trip to the NHL for Colliton who has appeared in
four games with the Islanders and also notched 11 goals,
19 assists, 30 points and 40 penalty minutes in 46 games
with the Sound Tigers this season. Colliton was the
Islanders' fourth pick, 58th overall, in the 2003 NHL
Entry Draft.
|
Isles
Sign Colliton to 3-year Deal |
 |
| July
28, 2005: The Islanders today signed Jeremy
Colliton, one of their top prospects, to a
3-year deal. The signing comes early on the
deadline day for signing 2003 Draft choices. The
20 year old right wing adds depth to the Islanders
system at that position. Known as a defensive
player with offensive potential, Colliton is very
happy to be joining the Isles organization. |
"The Islanders have been very good
to me since drafting me two years ago," said Colliton. "I'm
excited about getting my pro career started and developing within the
organization." Besides
developing over the last three years with the Prince
Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League, Colliton
gained some good acclaim playing in the Canadian
National Junior program, in which he was selected to in
2004 and 2005. He was one of Team Canada's top defensive
players in their second place finish at the 2004 World
Junior Championships. For the 2005 tournament he was
named to the top line with Sidney Crosby and Patrice
Bergeron, but unfortunately only saw action in 2 games
because of injury. The Islanders second round pick
recorded 46 points in 41 games played in his final
season with Prince Albert, a season that was cut short
by the same injury. He is now fully healed. At
6'2" and 200 lbs. Colliton will join the Islanders
training camp in Nova Scotia in September and begin his
professional development within the organization.
Bridgeport will probably be a likely starting point.
With defensive specialist Justin Mapletoft looking to
graduate to the Islanders in 2005-06, Colliton's
defensive abilities may fit in right away. GM
Mike Milbury was pleased to bring Colliton into the
fold. "The thing we love about Jeremy is that he
brings no question marks. He has skills, smarts -- he
was recruited by Harvard three years ago -- and you
can't find a coach or scout who has anything but praise
for his attitude and work ethic. I'm not going to peg
him as a certain level player or tell you when he'll get
to the NHL level, but I will tell you he's a prospect
we're very proud to have in the organization. He's going
to make his mark, no doubt about that."
2004-05 Update:
It was an up and down
year for Islander prospect Jeremy Colliton. At times
during the regular season he was Prince Albert's best
player. He even began the season leading his team and
the entire WHL in scoring during the first month of
play. His stellar play even saw him get invited back to
represent Canada for a second year in a row at the 2005
World Junior Championships. Unfortunately an injury
which was later described to be "a lower body
injury", forced him to miss most of the tournament.
Colliton only saw limited action in two games and was
re-injured in the second. To show how much confidence
Team Canada had in him, Colliton was slated to skate on
the first line with phenom Sidney Crosby and young NHL
star Patrice Bergeron. Jeremy would go on to miss some
time with Prince Albert recuperating from his injury.
The Raiders would go on to make it deep into the
playoffs, the Conference Semi-finals of the WHL.
Colliton's performance in the playoffs was a bit sub
par, producing 3 goals and 7 points in 17 games played.
Two of his goals came in a losing effort in Game 5
against Brandon, breaking a personal 13 game goal
scoring drought. The Raiders forced a game 7 but fell to
the Wheat Kings, ending a chance for Colliton to face
fellow Islander prospect Blake Comeau and the Kelowna
Rockets in the WHL Finals. On the season Colliton put up
16 goals and 46 points in 41 games played, which was
still good for third on his team. He most
likely should and will be signed by the Islanders when
the NHL returns and could see his career begin with some
seasoning in Bridgeport.
NHL.com's Future Watch
NHL.com - March 16, 2006
Colliton has been
snake-bit with knee problems this season. He was
scheduled to play on the top line of the Canadian World
Junior team with Sidney Crosby and Patrice Bergeron, but
suffered a knee strain. He returned to action with the
Prince Albert Raiders Feb. 2, played three games and
suffered another mild strain. He is expected back in the
lineup soon.
Colliton's high-level
game is built around his powerful skating. He's tough
and willing to mix it up and is very hard to knock off
the puck. He matches up well against strong defensemen
and he can score in all areas. He's got power-play
skills and is good on the penalty kill. Prince Albert
officials rave about his character and leadership
skills.
"Jeremy is a
tremendous kid, a really mature individual and a quality
person who has excellent hockey sense," Feltrin
said. "He has a well-rounded game and with his
intelligence, is very useful on the penalty kill. He's
probably more of a playmaker than a scorer. He has an
excellent work ethic, on and off the ice and he's become
a lot stronger since we drafted him in 2003. We just
hope he continues to improve. He's certainly met our
expectations and we think he has a good chance to play
in the NHL."
Colliton Right Man
for the Job
by Ken Wiebe, Staff Reporter - Winnipeg Sun
Sat, December 18, 2004
GIMLI -- Jeremy
Colliton realizes he's hit the jackpot and understands
why his number was called. Colliton, the captain of the
Prince Albert Raiders and second-year Team Canada
winger, was patrolling the right side with Providence
Bruins centre Patrice Bergeron and Rimouski Oceanic
sniper Sidney Crosby during both practices held
yesterday in Gimli.
"Those are
extremely talented guys, but I'm not going to change my
game," said Colliton, who has 14 goals and 36
points in 34 games with the Raiders this season.
"They're not putting me there to be Sidney Crosby,
you know. I'm going to play as hard as I can, create
loose pucks and finish checks. I feel like I'm a good
playmaker and I can create chances too, so I'm excited
for the opportunity."
During the early days
of camp, Crosby and Bergeron failed to click with a pair
of high-scoring wingers, Eric Fehr of the Brandon Wheat
Kings, who was released, and Corey Perry of the London
Knights, who made the team as the 13th forward.
But Sutter says
Colliton has the right combination of skill and grit to
have success with the dynamic duo.
"He's got a great
sense for the game," said Sutter. "He's very,
very good in all three zones. A very, very good
all-around player. He's responsible without the puck and
with the puck."
"He's someone who
could play with anybody, he's that type of player."
ENERGY LINE
A year ago, Colliton
played a little bit with Crosby but spent more time on
the energy line with fellow returnee Stephen Dixon.
He finished the
tournament with no points in six games, but took plenty
from the experience of coming away with a silver medal
after the heartbreaking loss to the United States.
"The biggest
thing I've tried to take from that this year is just to
play, relax and be yourself," said Colliton, a
second-round draft pick of the New York Islanders in the
2003 NHL entry draft. "If you play the way that got
you here, good things will happen. It doesn't serve any
(purpose) to be nervous and scared. You've got to take
the opportunities that you have and do everything you
can to help the team win."
Going into the
evaluation camp, there were some people who believed
Sutter might try and send a message by releasing one of
the 12 returnees if they weren't playing well.
The threat of that
possibility eliminated complacency during the camp and
right now, a strong leadership core is beginning to
emerge, since 20 of the 23 players are either captains
(11) or alternates (9) on their respective junior teams.
"We have a lot of
leadership on this team, but sometimes you need certain
guys to step up and take on more of a role," said
Colliton. "At the same time, you don't want to
change who you are. You lead through your actions and
how you conduct yourself on and off the ice."
Colliton,
Beauchemin named to World Junior Team
Press
Release, December
16, 2004
courtesy Raidershockey.com
Prince Albert,
Saskatchewan - Hockey Canada announced the final roster
for Team Canada for the upcoming World Junior
Championships in the United States this morning, and
both forward Jeremy Colliton and goaltender Rejean
Beauchemin of the Prince Albert Raiders are on the
roster of 23. 9 players were cut this morning.
Colliton, the Raiders
Captain, did not dress last night in an exhibition game
against the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.
Beauchemin played for the U of M in that game and
stopped 18 of 21 shots as Team Canada beat the Bisons
6-3.
Team Canada will
practice in Winnipeg this morning, then continue their
training camp in Gimli, Manitoba over the weekend.
Monday they play Team Finland in an exhibition game in
Winnipeg.
Colliton and
Beauchemin will face Raider teammate Aki Seitsonen in
that game as Seitsonen is part of Team Finland for the
World Juniors.
The Canadian team
concludes their preparation with another exhibition
game, against Switzerland, Wednesday in Winnipeg.
The 2005 World Junior
Championships start Christmas Day with Canada taking on
Slovakia in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Jeremy
Colliton named Canadian Hockey League Player of the Week
Dec 8, 2004
Toronto - The Canadian
Hockey League today announced that Prince Albert Raiders
forward Jeremy Colliton is the CHL Player of the Week
for the week ending Sunday December 5 after scoring two
goals and six assists for eight points in three games.
Colliton, a 19-year-old from Blackie, Alberta, opened
the week with the game-winning goal and three assists in
a 5-2 win over the Spokane Chiefs on November 30. He
added a goal and two assists in a 6-4 win over the
Regina Pats on December 4 and picked up an assist in a
5-1 win over the Moose Jaw Warriors on December 5.
COLLITON NAMED
GREYHOUND WHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
WHL Press
Release, December
6, 2004
Calgary - The
Greyhound WHL Player of the Week is forward Jeremy
Colliton of the Prince Albert Raiders. Colliton earned
Player of the Week honors by scoring two goals and six
assists while posting a +5 rating in his last three
outings, helping the Raiders to three wins during the
week of November 29th to December 5th.
Colliton scored the
game-winner and set up three more in the Raiders' 5-2
victory over Spokane on Tuesday, November 30th.
On Saturday, December
4th, Colliton chipped in a goal and two assists, helping
the Raiders to a 6-4 win over Regina. He also picked up
an assist in the Raiders' 5-1 win over Moose Jaw on
Sunday, December 5th.
Colliton, a
19-year-old product of Blackie, AB, is a second round
pick (58th overall) of the New York Islanders.
Colliton Named to
Team WHL for Canada-Russia Series
October 21, 2004
The
Western Hockey League today announced 23 players that
will represent TEAM WHL
in the 2004 CHL Canada - Russia Series. The series will
feature Team WHL taking on the Russian
Selects in games in Red Deer at the Enmax Centrium on
Wednesday, December 1st and in
Lethbridge on Thursday, December 2nd, 2004 at the Enmax
Centre.
The WHL
players were selected by a panel of league GM's and
scouts, including team coach Brent Sutter who will also
be coaching Team Canada at the 2005 World Junior
Championships in December/January. Colliton was named to
the team.
Junior Hockey - Prince
Albert Raiders invade Blackie ‘Tin Dome’
By John Barlow- Editor - January 28, 2004
courtesy westernwheel.com
Gold,
silver, bronze, brass, nickel — the dozens of
youngsters skating with Jeremy Colliton at the Blackie
Arena last Thursday could have cared less what medal the
local hockey player won with Team Canada at the World
Junior Championships.
All they cared about was that they were skating with the
WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders, they were skating with
one of their heroes.
Colliton helped Canada to a silver medal at the World
Juniors in Finland culminating in a 4-3 loss to the
United States in the championship game, Jan. 5.
After the World Juniors, the Raiders gave Colliton a
couple of weeks off to spend some time with his family
in Blackie where he enjoyed a very late Christmas.
On Thursday, the Raiders’ bus, en route to Cranbrook
and a western road trip, stopped in Blackie to pick up
their captain.
But while in Blackie, the WHL club took the time to take
to the ‘Tin Dome’ ice for an afternoon practice.
After which, the team skated with dozens of Blackie
minor hockey players.
Several parents stood at the glass and watched intently
as their children skated with the juniors. Many thoughts
were likely going through their minds, visions of their
own hockey youth, the skill and talent of the Prince
Albert Raiders and perhaps dreams their own children
will someday play Major Junior Hockey.
“This really is not a big deal for the parents, but
for the kids this is just great,” said Blackie
resident Ron Sanderson who watched his son on the ice
collecting autographs from the various players. “Just
about every kid from Blackie Minor Hockey is here.”
Not surprisingly, one of the hottest autographs was that
of Colliton whose right hand looked as though it was
stricken with arthritis after signing his umpteenth
card, helmet, glove, stick . . .
“Everyone has been so supportive,” said Colliton as
several kids stand in line for an autograph. “Everyone
is so excited to have the team in Blackie — there is
nothing like this.”
For Colliton he enjoyed the break and was able to
recharge his batteries for the WHL’s playoff run.
Hockey
a family affair for Collitons
By John
Barlow- Editor - January 7, 2004
courtesy westernwheel.com
For Pat
Colliton, Boxing Day was a dream holiday for this
devoted Canadian hockey dad.
In the morning at their farm near Blackie, Pat and his
wife Jo-Ann watched on television as their oldest son
Jeremy helped Canada to a 2-0 win over Finland at the
World Junior Hockey Championships in Helsinki.
Then later in the day, he made his way north to Calgary
to watch his youngest son Nick at his Midget AAA UFA
Bisons play in the Mac’s Midget hockey tournament,
arguably the most significant midget hockey event in the
world.
Finally, back at home, Pat made plans to drive his
daughter to Didsbury Jan. 2 for the Alberta Winter Games
women’s hockey team try-outs.
What a day indeed and somehow he fit it all in.
“We just hate missing any of our kids’ games,”
said Pat from his hotel in Didsbury. “We can’t watch
all the kids now so we have to decide where to go.”
This time Pat and Jo-Ann decided to stay in Canada and
watch Jordan and Nick play while Jeremy helped Canada to
a silver medal in Finland. Surprisingly, it was not a
tough decision to watch the World Juniors on television.
“Both kids had something going on here and we were
just grateful Jeremy was invited to the (Team Canada)
try-out camp,” he said. “Jeremy making the team was
a great Christmas present.”
Jeremy earned a silver medal at the World Junior
Championships, Jordan was named to the Zone 2 team for
the Winter Games and Nick, property of the WHL’s
Regina Pats, helped an undermanned Bisons club reach the
Mac’s quarter-finals. What is it with the Colliton
clan and hockey?
“I guess we are just a hockey family,” said Pat, a
mountain of a goalie who played senior hockey in Blackie
and High River. “I enjoyed playing hockey as a youth
and as an adult and I wanted them to enjoy it as much as
I did.”
Jeremy admitted his dad’s love of the game rubbed off
on his siblings.
“His passion for the game is why I have that same
passion,” said Jeremy during an interview from
Helsinki on Monday. “He encouraged us to play and
especially when I was younger my parents put me in a
position to succeed.”
Nick, who after the Mac’s spent the weekend in
Didsbury urging on his sister, agreed with his older
brother.
“The things our parents did for us when we were
younger was just amazing,” he said. “They were
always there for me.”
Jordan agreed adding, “Hockey is our way of spending
time together especially in the car.”
True, Pat and Jo-Ann had many long drives, cold rinks
and sleepless nights watching their children rise
through the hockey ranks.
For instance, when Jeremy, who is captain of the WHL’s
Prince Albert Raiders, was at the Team Canada try-outs
in Kitchener in December, Pat could not sleep for five
nights.
Jeremy had survived the initial cuts and on Dec. 18, the
day the final roster would be announced, Pat was at his
computer in a Lethbridge hotel (attending one of
Nick’s games) at 5 am waiting for the final cuts to be
announced.
Finally, Pat received a call from Jeremy.
“I didn’t know if I should answer, I didn’t know
if it was good or bad,” he said with a chuckle.
“I’ll tell ya, it was the longest four seconds of my
life.”
But when he did pick up the phone, Jeremy told him he
would not be home for Christmas he was off to Finland
with Team Canada.
“It was sweet,” said Pat of hearing the news. “It
was a huge validation for him. For me, just watching him
out there skating with Team Canada is awesome. I am not
sure if it has totally sunk in.”
Pat can say that about the success of all three of his
children who are reaching heights in hockey few can ever
dream of.
But for Pat and Jo-Ann seeing their children reach such
heights is just gravy.
“I think even if they had not succeeded like they have
everything would have been just as worthwhile,” he
commented. “The people have been just excellent and
the kids have really enjoyed themselves and that is the
same for us. Really, you can’t find better people than
in a hockey rink.”
No coincidence that is where you most often find Pat and
Jo-Ann Colliton.
Junior Hockey -
Colliton helps Canada win silver
By Luc Hébert, Sports reporter - January 7, 2004
courtesy westernwheel.com
Blackie’s
Jeremy Colliton is struggling to explain the devastation
he felt after the Canadian national team fell 4-3 to the
United States in Monday’s World Junior Hockey
Championship gold medal final in Finland.
“It’s tough to look back on it now as a learning
experience,” Colliton said during a phone interview
from Helsinki following the loss. “It’s just really
disappointing at this point.”
Even as time passes, he said, the loss will haunt him
until he has a chance to help the Canadians redeem
themselves in next year’s World Junior Championship in
North Dakota.
“I was thinking about that on the ice actually as they
(Americans) were receiving their gold medals — I’m
one of the lucky guys who gets to come back next year
hopefully to right the wrongs.”
Colliton is one of 13 players eligible to compete for
Canada in next year’s tournament, making the 2003
edition one of the four youngest teams Canada has iced.
However, unlike the other three teams, this year’s
squad was unable to bring home the gold.
Canada jumped to a two goal advantage thanks to a pair
of goals from forward Nigel Dawes and a marker from
linemate Anthony Stewart.
“We felt that we had a good game so far, but I don’t
think that any of us felt it was over by any means,”
said the 18-year-old Prince Albert Raiders captain.
“We had one period to go and they came at us hard. We
just couldn’t close the deal.”
Colliton watched in disbelief as the Americans clawed
back and took the lead on a rare miscue from Canadian
goaltender Marc André Fleury, who bounced a clearing
attempt off a teammate and into his own goal.
“At that point we had to circle the wagons and get
going. I don’t know that it took the wind out of our
sales. We were just down 4-3 with five minutes to go,”
said Colliton. “That’s a tough situation, but
that’s hockey.”
Colliton didn’t feel that having cruised to easy
victories over Finland (3-0), Switzerland (7-2), Ukraine
(10-0) and the Czech Republic (5-2, 7-1), hurt the
Canadians in their first tight game of the tournament.
“I thought we just played really well against those
other teams. We dominated Finland and they gave the U.S.
a tough game," he said. “In the final the U.S.
had a really good game. I don’t think you can say that
just because we didn’t have any tight games throughout
the tournament that we couldn’t close the deal.”
Colliton saw few even-strength shifts for Canada, but
was touted by experts as the team’s best penalty
killer.
When trying out for the squad in December, Colliton
felt, if anything, his qualities as a defensive forward
would earn him a spot on the team.
In Finland, he showed the world just that as the
Canadians were nearly perfect on the penalty kill,
Colliton not being on the ice for any goals given up by
the Canucks.
“I thought I had a good tournament. You have to do the
best you can with the ice you’re given. You have to
use that lesser role to perform really well, focus in
and make your shifts high quality shifts,” said
Colliton. “I thought I did that and I was happy with
the way I played. That’s what makes teams successful
is when guys are given a role and they use that role.”
Playing for Canada is never easy for any hockey player
as Canadian hockey fans always expect gold.
“It’s tough right now to say that a silver medal is
satisfying,” said Colliton. “We wanted the gold and
we were so close. To have it taken away is tough.”
Everything considered, Colliton realizes how much of a
blessing playing in the World Junior Championships truly
is.
“It was great to go to this tournament and to be
selected to the team,” he said. “This is a great
bunch of guys here that shared a great experience.”
Update:
Press Release, courtesy Raidershockey.com
For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Jeremy
Colliton Named to World Junior Team!!!
Prince
Albert, Saskatchewan - The Prince Albert Raiders are
pleased to announce that Team Captain Jeremy Colliton
will be one of 22 players to represent Canada at the
World Junior Championships in Helsinki, Finland later
this month, as announced by Hockey Canada this morning.
Colliton started the final selection camp last week
among 36 players vying to represent there country, and
survived the final cut of 6 early this morning at the
Kitchener, Ontario training camp.
Colliton
will leave with Team Canada for the World Championships
in Helsinki, tomorrow. Team Canada's first game at the
tournament is Boxing Day against the host team.
Junior Hockey -
Colliton gets invite to national junior camp
By Luc Hébert, Sports reporter -
December 10, 2003
courtesy westernwheel.com
Blackie
native Jeremy Colliton has been invited to the national
junior hockey team’s final selection camp.
The 6-2, 195-pound centreman was one of only 34 players
selected from around 60 who attended the team’s
primary camp in August.
With only two players returning from last year’s
silver medal winning junior team, Colliton will compete
for a spot on the squad with many others who are seeking
their first spot on the team’s roster. Consequently,
Colliton isn’t sure what to expect.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I’ll just have to go
out there and play well and things will work out I
hope.”
Just having the chance to play in the camp is considered
by some to be an achievement.
In the final day of the team’s initial camp on Aug.
15, Colliton was severely injured as he was knocked
awkwardly into the boards by the Calgary Hitmen’s Mike
Egener.
Colliton suffered a grade-three concussion, a first
degree shoulder separation and required 13 stitches on
his forehead.
However, Colliton made a speedy recovery and was able to
join his Prince Albert Raiders early in the Western
Hockey League season.
Since, Colliton has notched 14 goals and 11 assists in
30 games for the Raiders.
“I think the most important thing was to get that out
of the way,” said Colliton, who was drafted by the New
York Islanders 58th overall in the 2003 NHL entry draft.
“I made sure I was fully healthy and when I came back
I was able to play better. I think I’m back to full
strength now and I’ve been playing well over the last
couple of weeks, so hopefully that will continue.”
Colliton’s biggest assets are his presence on special
teams and the face-off circle.
Of his 25 points this season, the Raiders’ captain has
notched 13 points on special teams — five powerplay
goals, seven assists and one short-handed goal. Colliton
also has three game-winning goals on the season.
Colliton said that should he make the team, it won’t
be based on those numbers.
“There’s a lot of guys out there that score a lot of
goals, especially on the powerplay,” he said. “I
think I’ll be trying to make the team based on more of
a defensive role.”
As a member of last year’s U-18 world championship
winning team, Colliton led the team, winning 58.44 per
cent of his face-offs.
Last year’s stint with the U-18 team, he said could be
a valuable tool in his quest to make the national junior
team.
“I think any kind of international experience is
nice,” he said. “You kind of know what to expect and
what kind of game it’s going to be. Hopefully, if I
get a chance I’ll be able to draw from that
experience.”
The camp will take place in Kitchener, Ontario from Dec.
11 to 16.
“I don’t know if there’s anything extra that I
need,” said Colliton. “I just have to keep doing the
things that got me there. It’s important to try and
not do too much.”
The final 22-player roster will be announced at the
conclusion of camp on Dec 16. The newly formed team will
then leave for the World Junior Hockey Championships
which will be held in Finland from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5.
For Immediate Release:
Monday, December 1, 2003
Jeremy
Colliton Invited to World Junior Camp
courtesy Raidershockey.com
Prince
Albert, Saskatchewan - Prince Albert Raiders captain
Jeremy Colliton is one of 34 players invited by Hockey
Canada to the final selection camp for the Team Canada
for the upcoming World Junior Championships in Finland.
Of the players selected 16 are from the WHL (4 from the
Eastern Division), 10 are from the Ontario Hockey
League, 7 from the Quebec Major Junior League and 1 from
the NCAA.
Colliton
is scheduled to take part in the selection camp in
Kitchener, Ontario December 11th to 18th. The selection
camp will consist of practices, game day skates, two
intra squad games and two exhibition games against OUA
All-Stars to determine the final roster of 22 players
December 16th. The team will leave for Finland December
18th for the World Championships that run December 26th
to January 5th.
Colliton,
a second round selection of the New York Islanders in
the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, has 14 goals and 11 assists
for 25 points in 30 games played this season. Included
in his totals are 5 power play, 3 game winning and 1
short handed goal.
The
centre from Blackie, Alberta helped the Canadian Under
18 team to the gold medal at the World Under 18
Championships in April in Russia. He also was a member
of Team WHL in the RE/MAX Canada Russia Challenge Series
last week.
October 23, 2003
Jeremy
Colliton named to Team WHL for 2003 Re/Max Canada Russia
Challenge
courtesy Raidershockey.com
Calgary,
AB - The Western Hockey League today announced the 22
players that will represent TEAM WHL in the 2003 RE/MAX
Canada Russia Challenge Series. The series which will
feature Team WHL taking on the Russian Selects in games
in Calgary at the Pengrowth Saddledome on Wednesday,
November 26th, 2003 and in Brandon on Thursday, November
27th, 2003 at the Keystone Centre.
The
RE/MAX Canada/Russia Challenge Series will be an
integral part of the identification process for Canada's
National Junior Team final selection camp. The series
will involve a total of six games across Canada in
November.
Major Junior Hockey -
Pair of Blackie natives enjoying WHL experience
By Luc Hébert, Sports reporter -
October 15, 2003
courtesy westernwheel.com
Blackie,
Alberta: Population, 300.
Needless to say , it’s not the biggest place in the
world. Many people from Calgary have never even heard of
it.
It’s a place where the Canada Day parade consists of a
few floats that round the block a couple of times.
It’s a place were cattlemen and oilmen lead private
lives with their families, virtually undisturbed.
It’s a place that has produced two Western Hockey
League players — one a proven leader, NHL draft pick
and one of Canada’s top centerman. The other, a Hitmen
rookie trying to follow in his senior’s footsteps.
Friday, WHL veteran and Prince Albert Raiders captain
Jeremy Colliton and league rookie Riley Merkley faced
off, so to speak (Merkley didn’t dress), at a Calgary
Hitmen home game at the Pengrowth Saddledome.
“I played hockey with (Colliton’s) little brother
and he was one of my best friends, so I do know Jeremy
pretty well,” said Merkley. “I mostly grew up
watching him instead of playing with him and he was also
kind of my idol.”
Other than their origins, the players share a lot of
similarities. Colliton is six-foot-two, 195-pounds and
was chosen eighth from the Strathmore UFA Bisons, in the
2000 Bantam Draft.
The six-foot-three Merkley is slightly lighter, but has
a couple of years to add to his 175-pound frame. Merkley,
who was also a product of the UFA Bisons was chosen
ninth overall in the 2002 Bantam Draft.
Both wear the number 21.
“I’m following kind of the same path so far,” said
Merkley. “Hopefully I can do all the things he’s
done because he’s been really successful.”
Knowing that Merkley looks up to him and hopes to
emulate him, brings a deep sense of pride to Colliton.
“It’s unbelievable to hear that,” said Colliton.
“I’m not trying to pave the way for anyone. I’m
just going out there and trying to play hard. If other
guys from my area can get to higher levels like I have
then that’s just great.”
Both Merkley and Colliton are more than happy to have
reached as far as they have with their respective hockey
careers.
“I don’t know that it has sunk in completely, that
this is a pretty big thing,” said Merkley. “It’ll
probably take a good part of the season before it hits
me and I finally start getting my stride and building
the confidence I need to play well in this league.
It’s a pretty good opportunity and I’ve got to take
advantage of it because I’m lucky to be here.”
Although Colliton is playing his third season in the WHL,
he too can count his lucky stars.
Colliton was severely injured when he was hit awkwardly
into the boards by the Hitmen’s Mike Egener at a
National World Junior Hockey Team camp Aug. 15.
Colliton suffered a grade 3 concussion, a first degree
shoulder separation and required 13 stitches on his
forehead. It was unsure if he would be able to recover
in time for the start of the 2003 WHL season.
But Colliton made a speedy recovery and has notched five
goals and five assists in nine games for the Raiders.
“It was definitely tough. Being able to get back
without having another (concussion) is a big hurdle to
get over,” said Colliton who said he’s almost back
to prime form. “I’m close. I’m starting to feel
better and I’ve been playing better. I just have to
continue to improve.”
Now that he is back into game shape and has been able to
produce points for his Raiders, Colliton feels the
chances of being invited to the final Canadian World
Junior Team in December have risen significantly.
“I think it helps a lot. Obviously the more time I
miss, the more my chances are diminished,” said
Colliton. “I think now that I’m back, hopefully I
can play how I want to play and everything will take
care of itself.”
Although Merkley didn’t dress for the game, he still
was able to take some pride in the fact that his Hitmen
were able to top Colliton and the Raiders 4-2.
Merkley said beating Colliton, even though he wasn’t
on the ice, did feel pretty good, but an even better
feeling is knowing that along with Colliton, he’s
providing a small community with a big dream.
“It makes you feel great, because it gives the
community something to look up to,” said Merkley.
“It’s nice to represent the community like that.”
Colliton agreed, crediting the community support he and
Merkley received in their formative hockey years.
“This is a tough league to get a chance to play in,”
said Colliton. “For two guys from the same town to get
a chance to play here says a lot about the programs that
are in place there. It’s something very special.”
For Immediate Release:
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Colliton,
Polak expected to play Friday
courtesy Raidershockey.com
Prince
Albert, Saskatchewan - Two Prince Albert Raiders centers
who have been out with concussions, have been given
clearance to make their Western Hockey League regular
season debuts tomorrow night in Brandon. 18 year-olds
Jeremy Colliton and Michal Polak are both expected back
in the lineup when the Raiders take on the Wheat Kings
at the Keystone Centre Friday.
Colliton,
who was named team Captain last year, suffered his
concussion at the Canadian National Junior Team
Developmental Camp in Calgary in August. Colliton was
the New York Islanders
2nd round pick, 58th overall in the NHL Entry Draft in
June, but the concussion prevented him from taking part
in the Islanders training camp this month. Polak
suffered a concussion during the pre-season.
For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Jeremy
Colliton Named Raider Captain
courtesy Raidershockey.com
Prince
Albert, Saskatchewan - Prince Albert Raider Head Coach
Peter Anholt announced at the Prince Albert Chamber of
Commerce monthly meeting today that 18 year-old forward
Jeremy Colliton will be the team's Captain for the
2003-04 Western Hockey League season. Anholt also
announced that 19 year-old defenceman Luke Fritshaw, 20
year-old defenceman Travis Young and 20 year-old forward
Seth Leonard will be the Assistant Captains.
Colliton,
from Blackie, Alberta, is entering his third season with
the Raiders, but is currently on the injured list. The
2nd round, 58th overall selection of the New York
Islanders in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, suffered a Grade
3 concussion, among other injuries, during the Canadian
National Junior Team Developmental Camp August 15th in
Calgary. The injury is expected to keep Colliton out of
the lineup for the WHL regular season opening weekend as
the Raiders are in Swift Current Friday and host the
Broncos Saturday at 7:30 in the 900 CKBI Home Opener.
Junior hockey -
Colliton injured at National team training camp
By Luc Hébert, Sports reporter -
September 10, 2003
courtesy westernwheel.com
Blackie’s
Jeremy Colliton suffered a grade 3 concussion, a first
degree shoulder separation and required 13 stitches on
his forehead after being hit awkwardly into the boards
at the National Junior Hockey Team Development Camp Aug.
15.
“I don’t really remember the incident,” said
Colliton who was not knocked unconscious, but suffered
spells of post-traumatic amnesia for about two hours
following the blow. “I’m still getting headaches,
having a lot of pressure in the head and feeling
tired.”
The hit came from the Calgary Hitmen’s Mike Egener, a
6-foot-3 195-pound defenceman drafted 34th overall by
the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2003 National Hockey
League Entry Draft.
“He plays hard, but he’s not the type of player that
would try to hurt me,” said Colliton.
If there is a bright side to explore about Colliton’s
injury, it is the fact that it came during the
off-season and on the last day of the development camp.
“The good thing is that I’m not missing any games
right now,” he said. “I think this is the best time
for something like this to happen.”
Before suffering the injury, Colliton was feeling
confident about his play at camp.
“I was happy with how I was playing. I was having a
good camp,” said Colliton. “Hopefully, that’s
enough to get me invited to the next one (in December).
The hit didn’t help, but hopefully I’ll be back for
the season and that will lead to an invite.”
The Prince Albert Raider’s center is currently with
the team at it’s training camp in Prince Albert and
isn’t sure just how long he will have to remain off
the ice.
“I’m just watching the guys while I’m trying to
get better,” he said.
As a result of his concussion, Colliton will not be able
to partake in any events which include contact for at
least 30 days.
“It’s so unpredictable,” said Colliton who has to
go seven days without symptoms before he’ll be allowed
to ride an exercise bike. “As soon as I get through
those seven days I can start some sort of progression.
Hopefully that’s before the season starts.”
Colliton was selected 58th overall in the 2003 NHL entry
draft by the New York Rangers. He also helped last
year’s under-18 national team win a gold medal at the
under-18 world championships.
For Immediate Release:
August 18, 2003
Colliton
Injured at National Team Camp
courtesy Raidershockey.com
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan - The Prince Albert Raiders
have been informed by Hockey Canada that forward Jeremy
Colliton was injured at the National Junior Team
Development Camp during an intra squad game Friday
night.
As the result of a hit, Colliton suffered a Grade 3
concussion, first degree shoulder separation and
required 13 stitches to close a cut on his forehead. As
a result of the concussion, which was diagnosed as the
most severe - he cannot participate in any on-ice events
that include contact for 30 days.
Colliton was the second round draft choice, 68th overall
by the New York Islanders in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft in
June.
He is still at the National Junior Team Development Camp
in Calgary, which concludes today.
islesinfo.com:
Wow, was the kid hit by another player or a mack
truck? This is unfortunate. But hopefully he will make a
full recovery. The first thing I want to know, and I
hope the Islanders are thinking the same thing....who
was the guy who made the hit and HOW can we get him on
the Island?!
|
Isles select RW Jeremy Colliton
58th |
| The Islanders
have selected their first North American player with the 59th
overall pick with RW Jeremy Colliton from the Prince Albert Raiders
of the Western Hockey League. The third selection for the Isles in
the second round, Colliton has size and skill at 6'2" and 195
pounds. |
THN: The jury remains out on 6 foot 2 right
winger Jeremy Colliton. Colliton's proponents admire his size, strength,
skating and the way he competes every night. They note that as a rookie
Colliton finished third in scoring on Prince Albert and was a regular
contributor to the offense. It also helped his cause that he played on
Canada's world under-18 team and was one of six players to finish with six
points in seven games. "This kid can shoot the puck and he's
strong," said one scout. "I don't have much of a problem with
his skating. It needs a little work but most of the players in the draft
need a little work on their skating. I think he might be the bargain of
the draft. This guy has a chance to play." Not so fast says
Colliton's detractors. Critics say he is soft and they're not sure he'll
make an impact at the next level. "Yes, he brings it every night.
Yes, he scores and works hard, but he does not excite me," said a
scout. "He is a third line winger." CSB:
An adequate skater who is strong on his skates....good balance and
agility....shows very good patience with the puck....a conscientious
player who shows pride in his defensive play....his good board and corner
play create scoring chances....handles the puck well in traffic....is more
of a playmaker than a goal scorer....has good hockey sense and offensive
instincts....makes smart decisions with the puck....possesses a good shot
but could use it more often....while not overly physical, he competes very
hard both on the road and at home....very effective at angling opponents
in open ice....an unselfish team player who will sacrifice himself by
taking a hit to make a play....is used in all key situations....a threat
to score while killing penalties....plays the point on the power
play....logs an enormous amount of ice time, game in and game out. Personal
profile: member of Canadian team that won gold medal at 2003 world
under-18 championships....while playing mostly a checking role on Team
Canada at under-18 tournament, was also able to contribute offensively (
six points in seven games ).
Islanders Scouting
Report:
Like
Tunik, Colliton is a big kid, but doesn't have the
wingspan of the big Russian. Colliton comes to Long
Island via the Western League's Prince Albert Raiders
and finished third on his team in regular season scoring
with 20 goals and 48 points in 58 contests.
The right wing, who
comes in at 6-2, 195 pounds, is a righthanded shot who
has impressed the Islanders' staff with a unique
combination of skating, size, soft hands and a
willingness to battle every shift.
"Colliton has
very good hockey sense, an excellent work ethic and a
lot of intangibles," said Head Amateur Scout Tony
Feltrin. "He was very good for Team Canada at the
Under-18 World Championships. He was utilized in all
situations and was particularly effective on the penalty
kill. He's going to take a couple of years to develop,
but I like what this kid brings to the table."
Colliton has been
invited to Team Canada's training camp for the Under-20
World Junior Championships for next season.
Blackie hockey product drafted by Islanders
By Luc Hébert, Sports reporter - June 25,
2003
westernwheel.com
Like Frank Sinatra and
Gene Kelly in On the Town, Blackie's Jeremy Colliton is
cavorting the streets singing New York, New York.
But the 18-year-old isn't sporting crisp dress whites,
spit-shined shoes polished to a high luster, a rigid tie
and a dainty dixie-cup hat.
Instead, Colliton will be donning the mandarin orange
and navy blue of the New York Islanders who drafted him
58th overall in the second round of Saturday's National
Hockey League Entry Draft.
'I was excited, but I was relieved at the same time,'
said Colliton who returned home from Nashville late
Sunday night. 'You just want to have a team and sooner
rather than later.'
When he finally did get to go up on stage, late in the
second round, Colliton experienced the highlight of his
hockey career — but hopefully not its culmination.
'A couple of minutes before that you know there are 30
teams you could go to and all of a sudden there is just
one,' he said. 'It's exciting because you know that if
you end up playing at the next level that's where you're
going to be.'
Knowing that the Islanders' organization had enough
trust in Colliton to draft him brings him an extreme
sense of pride.
'For them to pick you like that in the second round, you
feel an instant loyalty,' said Colliton. 'You're very
proud to be involved and hopefully you can prove that
their confidence was well founded.'
Colliton has already met key members in the Islanders'
front office including general manager Mike Milbury,
head coach Steve Sterling and had a phone conversation
with owner Charles Wang.
Mix in a dash of meetings with scouts and other team
executives, a sprinkle of adventures with the public
relations department and a few zesty photo shoots, and
there you have the inebriating cocktail that is draft
day.
'It's quite the process,' said Colliton. 'They keep you
pretty busy.'
Colliton will be heading to the team's first rookie camp
where he hopes to turn a few heads.
'I just want to make a good impression and prove that
I'm a good player and that they made a good decision in
selecting me,' he said.
The six-foot-two, 194-pound centre said he can
undoubtedly learn a lot through training camps.
'I'm definitely looking forward to that. Here you have a
chance to be on the same ice with guys like (Mike) Peca
and (Alexei) Yashin,' said Colliton. 'Certainly you
can't help but learn from those guys and you should go
in there with your eyes and ears open.'
Colliton knows that earning a spot on the 2003/2004
Islanders' roster in his first attempt is somewhat of a
long shot, but understands it's all part of a learning
process.
'Obviously you'd like to go straight to the NHL, but
that doesn't happen to too many guys. I'm probably
looking at another couple of years of junior,' he said.
'I just have to continue to develop and continue to work
on everything. I think you're cheating yourself if you
don't allow yourself to develop and play as big a role
as you possibly can at the next level.'
That being said, Colliton says his main focus remains
with the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey
League.
Because players under the age of 20 cannot skate in the
American Hockey League, Colliton knows he won't be
travelling to Bridgeport, Connecticut to play for the
Islanders' affiliate Sound Tigers.
'My first priority right now is Prince Albert because I
think we're going to have a very good team next year,'
he said. 'As a team we're going to be much improved so
I'm certainly looking forward to that.'
Colliton will also be heading to training camp for
Canada's World Junior Hockey Championship team in early
August.
'It would definitely be the highlight of my junior
career to play in that tournament,' he said. 'I grew up
watching that tournament on television at Christmas
every year and now I've got this opportunity to go to
this try-out camp. Hopefully, I can do enough to stick
around.'
Cool cat Colliton in Nashville
DARREN STEINKE/Prince Albert
Daily
Herald
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Jeremy Colliton is a cool customer when it comes to
talking about his future.
The Prince Albert Raiders centre is heading for
Nashville today to take part in festivities
surrounding the 2003 NHL entry draft. The annual
lottery will be staged Saturday and Sunday.
Colliton was rated 37th among North American
skaters in the final rankings of NHL Central Scouting.
He is thus expected to be picked in the second or
third round of the draft.
When asked to evaluate when he might be selected,
Colliton is modest.
"Hopefully, I go on the first day," said
Colliton.
Don't be fooled by the response, because Colliton
knows the importance of draft day. But the 18-year-old
worries most about his play on the ice and lets the
chips fall where they may.
"It is definitely a big day," said
Colliton. "I am looking forward to seeing which
NHL team I will have the chance to play for down the
road.
"Everything is kind of out of my hands now.
You can enjoy it a little more."
Colliton has always been a top hockey prospect
while rising through the minor age groups. The Blackie,
Alta., product was chosen by the Raiders in the first
round, eighth overall, in the 2000 WHL bantam draft.
He was Prince Albert's rookie of the year in
2001-02 after netting 11 goals and 21 assists in 68
games in his first WHL campaign. Last season, Colliton
recorded 20 goals and 28 assists in 58 games and was
named the Raiders' most-valuable player.
Colliton has shown good offensive skills during his
two years with the Raiders. He is also not afraid to
assume the role of power forward by throwing body
checks and getting into the odd fight.
The six-foot-two, 194-pound Colliton was a Raider
assistant captain last season. He also helped Team
Pacific win a silver medal at the 2002 world under-17
championship and was a member of Canada's gold
medal-winning team at the world under-18 championship
in April.
During the under-18 tournament, Colliton had a goal
and five assists despite playing mainly a checking
role. Although he dropped 10 spots from the mid-season
Central Scouting rankings, Colliton believes the
under-18 tourney will help raise his stock.
"I am not putting a lot of emphasis on Central
Scouting rankings," said Co |