(Photo: letsgodu.blogspot) Joe Colborne
Joe Colborne's dream has come true. The Bruins first-round pick, 16th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft was inked to an entry-level contract with the Bruins this morning, forgoing his final two season with the University of Denver.
"I'm extremely excited for this opportunity." said Colborne during a conference call this evening. "It's been a dream my whole life to play in the NHL and sign a pro contract."
And despite being upset by RIT in the NCAA East Regionals, Colborne is ready to begin a new chapter at a new level.
"It's definitely bittersweet time. I've had two unbelievable years at Denver. I can't say enough for what the program has done for me." added the 6'5" forward Colborne. "This has been a dream of mine my entire life. I'm just really excited to get going."
Departing from a College or University and making the jump to the professional level takes some serious talks and considerations, regardless of the sport. After finishing in the top-10 in the nation in goal-scoring, Colborne added significant size and strength, which was a big boost for the Calgary, Alberta, Canada, native's confidence and decision-making as well.
"I had a sit-down with my family, my coaches at Denver, my agents, and then with the Bruins and we just talked. With the weight that I've put on over the past two years and with the strength I've added I feel like for me personally, it was the right step to continue improving. And to hopefully get back to the organization and get them back to winning games."
And how much is 'Jumbo Joe' tipping the scales at nowadays?
"Between 210 and 215. It fluctuates." said Colborne.
Colborne gained valuable experience throughout his two-year tenure at Denver -- the hard way. Last year the natural centerman broke his his finger, limiting his time up the middle, and making the switch to wing.
"I broke my finger in early November I believe and that kind of took some strength away from my bottom hand" said Colborne. "So I switched to wing to try and combat that so I could get back in the lineup quicker.
"I came back probably two or three weeks early. I played a few weeks with pins still stuck in it (finger) and it wasn't until after the Christmas break where we had two or three weeks off when it was actually healed."
With a left-handed shot, Colborne has adjusted to playing on both sides of the rink, but has no preference to either side -- just whatever he's needed.
"I grew up as a centerman my whole life. I feel very confident there. But the last two or three years I've been playing the majority of the time on the wing so I feel much more confident now than I did a number of years ago." said Colborne. "And I feel that where ever they -- the coaches -- decide to put me I feel comfortable playing."
Now free from college life and into the "real world", Colborne is jumping right into it by playing for the AHL Providence Bruins for the short remainder of the season on Amateur Tryout Agreements. The P-Bruins are in action this Friday night at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, R.I., against the Worcester Sharks. Although the Bruins are out of the playoffs picture, Colborne wants to take this experience to showcase his skills, while learning the game that he grew-up playing at the next level.
"I am coming here to try make a great first impression. This is my first opportunity to get to know the pro game . I'm going to take these six games as a big learning experience. I want to come and show that I can play at this level and hopefully play at a high level." Colborne added. " And just show the Bruins organization what I have to offer. Hopefully set myself so I can take a good run at a roster spot for next training camp."
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