Jeremy Colliton

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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?!

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